94 bucket-list experiences for the traveler in you

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94 bucket-list experiences for the traveler in you

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1/95 SLIDES © Sue Flood/The Image Bank/Getty Images; hadynyah/Vetta/Getty Images

From swimming with humpback whales to walking inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, here are some fabulous experiences every traveler should try at least once.

2/95 SLIDES © Damian Turski/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images

Slide down a volcano

Where: León, Nicaragua

If snow-capped mountains or sun-lit beaches don't excite you, why not toboggan down the Cerro Negro volcano at speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph)? The slopes of this relatively young volcano are made of small grains of black volcanic rock, making it perfect for surfing.

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Walk inside the Great Pyramid

Where: Giza, Egypt

If ancient archaeological sites fascinate you, visit the Great Pyramid. A limited number of tickets are given out for a walking tour during morning hours. This activity is not advisable if you’re claustrophobic, as the tour includes walking in confined spaces and through narrow corridors.

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Gaze at glow worms inside a cave

Where: New Zealand

If you’re not afraid of the dark, visit the Waipu and Waitomo Caves to witness the natural marvel of glowworms. These creatures only reveal themselves in complete darkness and their ethereal blue glow needs to be seen to be believed.

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Ride a bike at 17,582 feet

Where: Jammu and Kashmir, India

Despite the local signposts, the Khardung La pass in the Ladakh region is not actually the highest motorable pass. However, not many other high-range passes can match the stark beauty of the mountains on this route. With an elevation of 17,582 feet (5,359 meters), the pass is dotted with picturesque villages and offers a motorcycle riding experience like no other.

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Tumble downhill inside an orb

Where: Rotorua, New Zealand

If you're an adrenaline junkie looking for your next fix, why not go Zorbing - rolling downhill inside an orb - in New Zealand. Scared about going it alone? Don't worry... there is enough space inside to invite a friend to tumble along!

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Go canyoneering

Where: Cebu, The Philippines and Huesca, Spain

Canyoneering, or canyoning, is defined as moving through canyons. It includes a lot of activities such as rock climbing, swimming and hiking, and promises a close encounter with Mother Nature.

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Walk atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Where: Sydney, Australia

Be it during the dawn or late during the sunset, the view from atop the iconic Harbour Bridge is never the same twice and manages to enthrall every single time.

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Visit Salar de Uyuni at night

Where: Bolivia

The Bolivian natural marvel, which is also the world’s largest salt flat, offers a surreal experience as the large, stable surface acts like a mirror, reflecting the sky above just like water in a lake. Sign up for a private night-time tour and take in the surreal “starry night” experience.

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Fly over Rio de Janeiro

Where: Brazil

Rio de Janeiro offers hang gliding and para gliding opportunities over the city, providing a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, as well as the surrounding mountains. A must-do for all adventure junkies.

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Go ice climbing

Where: Colorado, U.S.

If scaling heights and climbing walls of frozen water don’t scare you, try this adventure. Every winter, several groups in Colorado organize guided ice climbing treks, so there is no dearth of options. However, this is only advised for seasoned climbers.

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Take a boat down the Amazon

Where: Brazil

Although the 4,400-mile-long (over 7,000 km) river stretches through eight countries (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname), it is the route between Brazil’s Manaus to Belém that is most popular, thanks to its hauntingly beautiful environment.

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Walk across a glass bridge

Where: Zhangjiajie, China

Suspended 853 feet (260 meters) above ground, the Zhangjiajie Bridge has a transparent glass bottom. Although the bridge is quite secure and able to carry 800 visitors at a time, this activity is not advised for someone with extreme acrophobia.

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Read a book while floating in the Dead Sea

Where: Jerusalem, Israel

Nearly 10 times as salty as the ocean, the Dead Sea has an incredibly high density, which makes it easy to swim or float. So, take a book and click photos of yourself reading on water. Although the Dead Sea is spread over Israel, Jordan and Palestine, it is easier to approach it from Jerusalem by car.

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Run with the bulls

Where: Pamplona, Spain

This Spanish tradition tests your mettle like no other. The practice involves running ahead of a small group of cattle. You can choose to pull out of the run anytime you want, just be sure to be quick enough to dodge the bulls when you rush towards the protective barriers on the side of the road.

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Visit the Sistine Chapel

Where: Vatican City

Located in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope features the works of Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli and Raphael. Spend time gazing at the beautiful chapel ceiling and “The Last Judgment” on the altar wall painted by Michelangelo.

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Take the Danube bike trail

Where: Across Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary

Take in the serene beauty of the Danube river as you bike down well-laid paths. There are several cycling groups who could chalk up your trail through the aforementioned countries.

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Jump off South Point cliffs

Where: Hawaii, U.S.

Head to the southernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaii, known as South Point or Ka Lae, and see if you can muster up courage for a free fall off the awe-inspiring cliffs.

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Dance at the Rio Carnival

Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Be at the center of the Rio Carnival by joining a parade with one of the city’s leading samba schools. Simply sign up with a school of your choice, rent your costume, rehearse the moves beforehand with other dancers and dance away in the world’s biggest party with other gorgeously dressed dancers. You should know the participants won’t be allowed to drink during the parade.

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Visit the Galápagos Islands

The volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is famed for several endemic species that were studied by Charles Darwin. You can see marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins and all sorts of other creatures you won't find anywhere else in the world.

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Edge Walk at CN Tower

Where: Toronto, Canada

If you ever want to feel like Tom Cruise during a “Mission: Impossible” stunt, head to the iconic Toronto landmark and sign up for the Edge Walk. It allows you to walk along the circumference of the roof while hanging from a safety harness.

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Climb the Half Dome

Where: Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.

Known for its distinct shape, this granite dome is a popular destination among hiking enthusiasts. Climb all the way up and witness a breathtaking view of the Yosemite Valley down below.

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Hike the Appalachian Trail

Where: Passes through 13 states in the eastern U.S.

Extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine, it is one of the most challenging hiking trails in the world.

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Visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Where: Maharashtra, India

If ancient Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religious art and rock-cut architecture fascinate you, these UNESCO World Heritage caves should feature on your list.

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Kayaking in Thailand

Where: Phuket, Thailand

From paddling idly through the open sea to maneuvering tricky sea caves, kayaking tours in Thailand take you through some of the most enthralling natural scenes the country has to offer.

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Walk across a frozen river

Where: Ladakh, India

If you're ready to brave sub-zero conditions in the Himalayas, go on the Chadar trek. During winter, the Zanskar River freezes over, creating a vast ice sheet that is ideal for trekking.

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Walk through ancient Rome

Near: Naples, Italy

In 79 AD, the Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius. Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, the ancient city offers an insight into daily life during the Pax Romana. From exploring the historic amphitheater to checking out plaster casts of volcanic attack victims in situ, this one is a must for any enthusiast of ancient history.

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Free climb at Hueco Tanks

Where: El Paso County, Texas, U.S.

With natural depressions on its rock surface, Hueco Tanks is widely regarded as one of the best areas in the world for bouldering, or rock climbing without ropes.

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Dogsled in remote Lapland

Where: Finland

Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve is one of Europe’s largest protected areas and has a starkly beautiful landscape of mountains, plains and ancient forest. This little-visited pristine region is ideal for a dog-sledding experience.

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Travel to Patagonia

Where: Argentina and Chile

Located at the southern end of South America, Patagonia comprises the Andes mountains as well as deserts, steppes and grasslands. The region is famed for its indigenous flora and fauna. While there, make sure to check out the southern right whale, the Magellanic penguin, the orca and elephant seals.

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Enjoy the view from atop Mt. Kilimanjaro

Where: Tanzania

One of the most iconic peaks in the world, it is also Africa’s highest. Savor the enthralling view once you make it to the top.

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Swim in Yucatán cenotes

Where: Mexico

Cenotes are natural holes formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock in the Yucatán Peninsula. Explore amazing underwater rock formations as well as flora and fauna.

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Visit an active volcano

Where: Guatemala

The Volcan Pacaya is an active complex volcano that first erupted about 23,000 years ago. Since 1965, it has been erupting at regular intervals, making it a must-visit for volcano enthusiasts.

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Marvel at the Taj Mahal

Where: Agra, India

This monument of love was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River is ranked among the New7Wonders of the World.

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Hike the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu

Where: Peru

Named among the 25 Best Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure travel magazine, this trail passes through the Salkantay Pass at 15,200 feet (4,600 meters) to take you to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu.

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Raft through the Grand Canyon

Where: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, U.S.

Experience the thrill of paddling in the Colorado River with the millennium-old walls of the Grand Canyon rising by your side.

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Spend the night on a private isle

Where: Scotland

If renting a room is too mainstream, how about renting an entire island with a medieval castle? Isle of Scalpay, Ronay Island and Isle of Harris (pictured) are some of the small islands of Scotland you can rent for a tranquil vacation.

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Hike along Striding Edge in the Lake District

Where: England

Striding Edge is a sharp-topped ridge on the eastern side of the Helvellyn mountain. Literary stalwarts such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth were regular visitors to this mountain.

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Visit Easter Island

Where: Chile

If those monumental face statues (known as moai) have always perplexed you, a visit to Easter Island is a must. Located in the Pacific Ocean, the statues were built by the early Rapa Nui people. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site now.

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Explore the pyramids of Sudan

Where: Nubia region

A country that offers twice as many pyramids as Egypt, Sudan's Nubian pyramids are a sight to behold. Built by the rulers of the ancient Kushite kingdom, these tombs date back by 2,500 years.

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Bungee jump off Kawarau Bridge

Where: Queenstown, New Zealand

For that ultimate adrenaline rush, try bungee jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge in New Zealand. The 141 feet (43 meters) drop is sure to give a rush to even the most seasoned adventure enthusiast.

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Sleep at Everest Base Camp

Where: Nepal

Few things in life could be more adventurous than spending a night at the base of the world's highest peak. There are two base camps: the South Base camp and the North Base Camp—located at heights of 17,598 feet (5,364 meters) and 16,900 feet (5,150 meters), respectively.

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Eat fried insects in Bangkok

Where: Thailand

You may have seen adventurers like Bear Grylls survive on creepy crawlies on one of his TV shows and you may have wondered – do insects actually taste good? Well, find out for yourself as you select from crispy-fried spiders to scorpions-on-a-stick.

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Hike up Yosemite Falls Trail

Where: Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.

This steep hike will bring you up and close to the majestic Upper Yosemite Falls—North America’s tallest waterfall. You can also enjoy a birds-eye view of the breathtaking Yosemite Valley as well as the Half Dome.

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Camp under the Northern Lights

Where: Iceland

Get transported to a surreal world where the clear night sky is lit up by a celestial ballet of different-hued lights — a natural phenomenon called Northern Lights or aurora borealis.

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Swim with whales

Where: Tonga

Every year, between July and October, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the South Pacific to give birth to their calves. It offers a great chance to swim up close to the gentle giants, under the close supervision of guides/operators.

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Visit the Outback

Where: Australia

The hot arid Outback is one of the biggest travel attractions in Australia. Despite its roughness, it is home to a host of interesting animals and birds — budgerigars, cockatoos, corellas, galahs, kangaroos and dingoes. Just be sure not to get stuck out there, as the nearest rest stop will likely be miles and miles away!

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Travel the Silk Route

Where: Spanning through several Asian and European countries

Undertake the journey of a lifetime by re-tracing the steps of the ancient Chinese silk traders, who carried expensive silk and other Oriental goods to the West via this route.

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Play on the world’s highest tennis court

Where: Dubai, UAE

Burj Al Arab, the third tallest hotel in the world, is also home to one of the highest tennis courts in the world. It has hosted exhibition games between some of the biggest names in tennis, including Roger Federer and Andre Agassi.

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Go diving in the Great Barrier Reef

Where: Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef and a sight to behold. Larger than the Great Wall of China, it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

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Take the great American road trip

Where: U.S.

Written about by luminaries such as John Steinbeck and Jack Kerouac, the great American road trip can be a transformative journey. For the ultimate experience, try to follow the old Route 66.

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Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway

Where: Passing through Russia, Mongolia, China, and North Korea

The network of railways connects Moscow with the Russian Far East and the Sea of Japan. Built between 1891 and 1916, it is the longest railway line in the world and a major attraction for travelers.

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Hike the Mendenhall Glacier

Where: Juneau, Alaska, U.S.

About 13.6-miles long (21.8 km) and located in the Mendenhall Valley, trekking through the challenging glacier is the best way to experience its natural beauty.

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Tour Havana in a vintage car

Where: Cuba

There are more than 60,000 classic American cars in Cuba and these vintage vehicles are nothing less than time machines which transport you to an era gone by. Take in the history, culture, architecture and monuments of the city, all inspired by the Spanish, who founded the city.

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Explore the temples of Angkor Wat

Where: Cambodia

This huge ancient temple complex was reclaimed by nature for centuries before being rediscovered in the mid-19th century. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple, it later became a Buddhist shrine.

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Skydive over Interlaken

Where: Switzerland

Those with a daring streak must try skydiving over the pristine town—enjoying the spectacular sights of the Swiss Alps and its surroundings while floating down to the ground.

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Set foot on Antarctica

Where: Antarctica

The icy continent is the fifth largest and the least populated continent on earth. Emperor penguins and seals are a major attraction. Simply take a cruise ship from Ushuaia, Argentina or plan a flight from Australia, Chile, South Africa or Argentina.

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Swim with sharks in the South Ari Atoll

Where: Maldives

An archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is blessed with plenty of natural beauty. Once here, you can book a swim date with the numerous whale sharks present in this Marine Protected Area.

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Watch great whites in Baja California

Where: Mexico

Witness the annual migration of the great white sharks from the Arctic belt to the coastal lagoons of the southern Baja peninsula, from the safety of an underwater steel cage.

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Walk the Kakum canopy walkway

Where: Ghana

The Kakum National Park has a long series of hanging bridges known as the Canopy Walkway. Walk over these bridges for a thrilling experience while accessing the inner reaches of the forest.

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Walk across the Trift Bridge above the Swiss Alps

Where: Switzerland

This one is not for those with acrophobia. Hanging at a height of 328 feet (100 meters), Trift Bridge is the longest pedestrian-only suspension bridge in the Swiss Alps, and walking along it gives some breathtaking views of the mountains.

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Walk on the Great Wall

Where: China

Built along the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese empire against raids and invasions as early as the seventh century B.C., it is one of the seven wonders of the world.

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Hike up Angels Landing

Where: Zion National Park, Utah, U.S.

Known as the Temple of Aeolus, it is one of the most popular hiking trails in the U.S.

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Walk the Mount Hua plank

Where: China

It is one of China's Five Great Mountains, with a long history of religious significance. It has a steep and narrow plank that is not for the faint-hearted.

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Visit the fjords of Norway

Where: Norway

A fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs that is created by glacial erosion. Found in many countries, the Norwegian fjords are famed for their breathtaking beauty.

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Swim in the Erawan Falls

Where: Thailand

Located in the Erawan National Park, it is a major attraction for tourists. The seven-tiered falls are said to resemble the Erawan — the three-headed elephant in Hindu mythology.

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Visit the Apostle Island sea caves

Where: Wisconsin, U.S.

Centuries of wave movement have sculpted breathtaking shorelines throughout the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. The resulting sea cave system offers great opportunities for kayaking.

Ride the Zambezi river rapids

Where: Zambia

The Zambezi River is famous for its crazy rapids. This powerful river presents a fun and challenging adventure for rafters.

Witness Serengeti's great migration

Where: Tanzania and Kenya

The Serengeti National Park is famous for its annual migration of millions of white-bearded wildebeest and zebras. Watching the massive migration of the animals is a sight to behold.

Take part in La Tomatina

Where: Buñol, Spain

Held every year on the last Wednesday of August, it is described as the “world's biggest food fight,” where more than 100 metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are squished and thrown at each other by revelers.

Spot a spirit bear in British Columbia

Where: Canada

The Kermode bear, or spirit bear, inhabits the central and north coast regions of British Columbia. Though they look like smaller versions of polar bears, they are actually a subspecies of the American black bear.

Go coasteering at Pembrokeshire

Where: Wales

For an adventure junkie, coasteering - a cross between swimming and rock climbing - at this dramatic coastline is a must. You can also laze around the scenic beaches and spend nights under the stars camping.

Meet mountain gorillas

Where: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Get ready for a humbling experience and meet these endangered primates in their natural abode. It is easier to track them in dry seasons—from December to March and June to October.

Discover the Cíes Islands

Where: Spain

Discover the pristine white beaches and turquoise waters in this Spanish territory of Galicia. Home to Praia das Rodas, known as one of the world's best beaches, Galicia is renowned for its delicious seafood.

Get soaked at Iguazu Falls

Where: Argentina and Brazil

The largest waterfall system in the world is 269 feet (82 meters) high, with over 250 cascades spread in a shape of a horseshoe. Taller than the Niagara Falls, the falls were formed due to a volcanic eruption that left a huge crack in the earth.

Take a dip in an open-air pool at Budapest

Where: Hungary

Warm up and socialize in outdoor thermal pools in the City of Baths. Szechenyi, one of the more popular baths, features a large neo-Baroque courtyard. Some of the other historic baths are Rudas and Kiraly.

Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge

Where: San Francisco, California, U.S.

Though most prefer to drive across this iconic attraction, with the backdrop of San Francisco's beautiful skyline, cycling across it will give you a refreshing experience.

Visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Where: Croatia

Surrounded by the mountains of Plješevica, Mala Kapela and Medveđak, the national park is home to 16 blue-green Plitvice Lakes that are known for their distinct colors, ranging from azure to green and blue.

Watch a magical sunset over Santorini

When: Greece

You have to witness the sunset in Santorini, where the sky turns red and reflects off whitewashed houses. If that isn't enough, visit the island’s popular black volcanic beaches while sampling amazing wines and diverse cuisine.

Be amazed by New York City's skyline

When: New York, U.S.

Check out the dazzling skyline of one of Hollywood’s favorite locations from the Empire State Building. While you are in the city, visit hole-in-the-wall bars and cafes to sample local food. Oh... and don’t miss the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park.

Dive into the infinity pools of Pamukkale

Where: Turkey

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale—meaning cotton castles in Turkish—is home to natural infinity pools with terraces made of carbonate minerals left by flowing waters. Known as the country’s foremost mineral-bath spa, the site features hot calcium-laden water that spring from the earth and cascade over a cliff.

Travel from Asia to Europe on a ferry

Where: Istanbul, Turkey

Book a ferry and sail across the Bosporus narrows, from the Asian shore to the European, and vice versa. While the ride takes only 20 minutes, it offers an excellent view of top Istanbul landmarks such as the Blue Mosque.

Take in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon

Where: Arizona, U.S.

Trek or just sit and enjoy the beauty of the steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River. It is 277 miles (446 km) long and up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, exposing nearly two billion years of earth’s geological history as the river and its tributaries cut through the layers of the rock.

Witness cherry blossoms in Kyoto

Where: Japan

From grand castles, shrines, gardens and wooden houses to kaiseki meals, kimonos and geishas – Kyoto has everything to entertain you. However, it is during the months of March and April the city really blooms, thanks to its exquisite cherry blossoms.

Bathe in a natural spa in the Blue Lagoon

Where: Iceland

From naturally-warm, mineral-rich waters to white silica mud packs and a waterfall massage, the Blue Lagoon will surely take your spa experience to another level.

Fly across Cappadocia

Where: Turkey

Fly in hot air balloons over a spectacular landscape that includes fairy chimneys, cave houses, orchards, vineyards and beautiful valleys with distinctive rock formations and rippled ravines.

Lose yourself on Mogundula Island

Where: Mozambique

If you are seeking solitude or a romantic escape, camp at one of the most forgotten and untouched islands of the world. While in the country, add Ibo Island to your itinerary for delicious seafood, mangrove forests and a touch of ancient history.

Ride a horse across Torres del Paine National Park

Where: Chile

If horse rides thrill you, this trip on horseback across the beautiful mountains of the Andes, with glimpses of lakes and cascades, is a must.

Witness Old Faithful

Where: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.

Watch 3,700 to 8,400 gallons (14,000 to 32,000 liters) of water erupting to a height of 106 to 185 feet (32 to 56 meters) from this cone geyser.

Spot a Bengal tiger

Where: Ranthambore National Park, India

Experience the thrill of watching a powerful Bengal tiger in the wild. Add Udaipur, Jaipur, Kota and Alwar to the itinerary to experience Rajasthan's colorful culture too.

Unveil the mysteries of Stonehenge

Where: Wiltshire, England

Explore the prehistoric monument, which archaeologists believe was constructed between 3,000-2,000 B.C. While Stonehenge’s ring of standing stones are set within earthworks in the middle of the densest complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, no one really knows if it was a sun worship point, a calendar or a burial site.

See the black sand beach of Reynisfjara

Where: Iceland

The Reynisfjara Beach of Iceland promises the aurora borealis, huge basalt rocks off the coast and jet-black sand formed from remnants of basalt lava and pebbles. As breathtaking as it may look, the violent waves have been known to claim lives and so, this place is unfit for swimming.

Lupine-spotting in Fiordland National Park

Where: New Zealand

Bushwalk in Fiordland National Park and watch the time fly as you pass by lupines (a kind of flowering plant) of myriad colors.

Visit Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Where: China

Popularly known as Rainbow Mountains, the colors are formed because of sedimentary mineral deposition over a million years.

Try a world record jump

Where: Macau

Jump down from a height of 764 feet (233 meters) and experience first-hand why the Guinness World Records organization recognized the AJ Hackett Macau Tower Bungy Jump as the highest commercial jump in the world. This is definitely not for the fainthearted!