Best countries for family vacations

Best Bucket List Adventure: These Top 5 Destinations are Amazing!

By Jackie Gately
(First published )
(Reading Time: 6 minutes)
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Here are 5 great places for your next bucket list adventure.

There are so many enticing places around the world to visit, but certain spots stand out as offering an overall amazing experience.

In this article, you’ll discover five of the best places where you can forge unforgettable memories on your next vacation. Each one is sure to offer a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Ready, set, go pick your next travel destination!

Best countries for family vacations
Start planning your next bucket list adventure today!

CONTENTS — In this article, you will learn about 5 places you may not have considered that make for a perfect bucket list adventure, including:

The Best Spots to Go On Vacations

There’s nothing better than looking forward to vacation.

It helps take you from the ordinary day-to-day routine and bring you out into the sunshine, where you can enjoy some amazing experiences.

Most often, it’s not how long or when you’re going that you anticipate; it’s the destination.

And yet, sometimes even that can lack luster.

So, for your next summer escape (which calls for the requisite blend of beach, water, and sunshine), consider these five destinations that are truly out of the ordinary.

These five spots around the globe prove to be among the most exciting summer vacation spots. Each is ideal for your bucket list adventure.

If they’re not on your bucket list, they should be. If you love to be on the water, you might also check out these 5 Exotic Cruise Destinations That Are Surprisingly Affordable.

Before we begin, I invite you to download my FREE Bucket List Planner Worksheet. It’s a fillable, printable resource you can keep handy whenever you hear about great destinations. It will help you prioritize your dream vacations, and you’ll be more organized when your top destinations are in plain sight. That way, you’ll always have a trip to look forward to!

1. Los Cabos, Mexico

Bucket list adventure to Los Cabos, Mexico
Get a seaside perspective of The Arch at Land’s End, Los Cabos.

Los Cabos, Mexico is on of the world’s most gorgeous areas for ocean side vacations.

Here, you’ll discover the the most luxurious stays, award-winning restaurants, and top-rated golf courses. Of course, you can indulge in your share of sunbathing by the ocean and delicious Mexican cuisine, too.

But you can also take some fantastic whale watch cruises and other organized tours to round out your activities.

While you’re out on the water, be sure you get a seaside perspective of El Arco, or The Arch at Land’s End.

This majestic granite rock formation is a natural arch, shaped by over a thousand years of erosion. It’s also the point at which the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

With such incredible experiences on offer, it’s no wonder Los Cabos is Mexico’s premier tourism destination.

It’s also easy to get to, with nearby airports including Los Cabos International Airport (SJD airport) and Cabo San Lucas International Airport(CSL airport). The latter is a small airfield that hosts private jets and shuttles, if you want to plan a more exclusive arrival.

2. Goa, India

Goa, India
Goa Beach is one of many beautiful beaches in Goa you’ll love.

Goa is one of India’s best destinations, especially if you love the beach scene. Because of its radiant sea shores and sanctuaries, it’s an extremely popular tourist destination.

But it offers so much more than a day at the beach.

In Goa, you can enjoy:

  • Delicious Goa wine made with grapes from Maharashtra
  • Water sports, like scuba diving, snorkeling, jetskiing, parasailing, and windsurfing
  • A lively local area with fresh seafood markets, bakeries, and more
  • The lovely Mahabodhi Sanctuary, a 3rd century B.C. temple and one of four holy sites relating to the life of Buddha
  • Gambling clubs, shops, and a great nightlife

Goa is unlike anyplace else in India. And if you happen to time it right (February or March), the Goa Festival is exceptional.

You might also consider visiting Ahmedabad in Gurjat.

This unmistakable city in India is called the “Manchester of India” due to its prosperous cotton textile industries akin to Manchester, England. Beyond it’s textiles, you’ll find beautiful mosques, temples, placid lakes, and other worthwhile attractions here, too.

3. Galway, Ireland

Galway, Ireland
Beautiful Galway, Ireland is rich in scenic beauty, and hosts about 122 festivals each year!

Galway, Ireland ought to be on your “must-visit city break” list, too.

This enchanting Irish city is known for its verdant landscape, dazzling food, and social celebrations. In fact, Galway hosts 122 festivals and events per year on average!

In addition, the theater scene, public craftsmanship, exhibitions, shows, and more make for a great destination.

And well, it is beautiful Ireland, after all.

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, head to Park House Lodging. This 4-star rated boutique hotel offers luxury and modern conveniences at affordable prices.

Plus, it’s located right in the city center. That way, you’re ideally situated to enjoy all that Galway offers just steps from your door.

4. Japan

Japan
Japan is world-renown for its beauty, culture, and hospitality.

Japan tops many travelers’ bucket list, with good reason.

With 21 World Heritage Sites, fascinating cultural experiences and traditional arts, sushi bars, and a plethora of natural wonders like onsen hot springs and kabuki baths, it’s holds a special allure.

In fact, Japan ranked #1 in the 2021 World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index. And, hosting the Rugby World Cup (2019) and the Olympic Summer Games (2020) only helped enhance Japan’s already high tourism appeal.

There is so much to see and do in Japan, it’s impossible to give it justice in a few short sentences. But among the must see and do experiences you’re planning, here are some things you might not want to miss:

  • Take a dip with the snow monkeys in the Hot Springs of Nagano
  • Stroll Mount Akagi’s Tunnel in Maebashi to see 1,000 cherry trees in bloom
  • Ride the famous bullet train with views of iconic Mount Fuji

Japan is quite possibly one of Earth’s most intriguing paces to visit. So, you’ll want to plan an extended trip to fully immerse yourself in the experience. It makes for a thoroughly mesmerizing bucket list adventure!

5. Jamaica

Jamaica
In addition to Reggae and rum, Jamaica offers gastronomic delights and a diverse natural environments to explore.

Jamaica is legendary as the birthplace of Reggae and the home to tasty Jamaican rum. It’s truly a nation of recreation, style, and greatness.

As the third largest island in the Caribbean, you’ll find a range of natural environments to explore, from rainforests and mountain ranges, to the beautiful coastline with white beaches and the turquoise sea.

Notwithstanding the sun, sand, and sea, Jamaica has an intriguing history that combined Jamaican culture with many others. For more information, check out these amazing tours in Jamaica.

As a result, it’s also a great foodie destination. Cuisine in Jamaica is a blend of diverse flavors, spices, and techniques influenced by multiple cultures that have come together.

This makes a visit to Jamaica a truly unique and delightful gastronomic experience.

Final Thoughts on Best Bucket List Adventure

In a world brimming with travel possibilities, these 5 best countries for your bucket list adventure will prove themselves to be exceptional choices.

Each destination offers a distinctive blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation that caters to the interests of curious travelers.

Once you pick your destination, you can think about planning a great itinerary.

So pack your bags, create lifelong memories, and embark on what will be an incredible journey!

Jackie Gately at the beach


About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

Follow my social channels for more inspiration.

Next Steps

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