30 Extraordinary Travel Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List

English novelist Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the “eighth wonder of the world” and the moment you see the 1692-metre fjord up close, you’ll agree. The surrounding mountain ranges, glistening waters and native rainforest, all part of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, make the four-hour drive from Queenstown oh-so worth it.

Put on your walking shoes and explore a section of the ancient fortifications that have origins as far back as the 7th century BC. Contrary to popular myth, the wall may not exactly be visible from space, but it’s impressive all the same. The best known – and most visited – section is Badaling, rebuilt in the 1950s.

The warm, not-so-clear waters of this geothermal pool are one of the most visited attractions in Iceland and they owe their milky blue colouring to a high concentration of silicate minerals. From the lagoon, bathers can see the geothermal power plant that regularly feeds fresh water into the pool.

Built in the 12th century, the “temple city” spans an area of more than 160 hectares and was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. If you’re in Cambodia, it’s a sight not to be missed – it’s so important to the country that it even features on the national flag.

You’ll find a few flamingo species, including some of the most rare, in the driest non-polar desert on Earth. Base yourself in the town of San Pedro, Chile, and explore the local salt lakes, geysers, starry skies and eerie, otherworldly desert landscapes.

Part of the Altiplano of Bolivia, this salt flat is the largest in the world. Tour across the Salar and stop by the salt-brick buildings built on the “islands”, home to giant cacti and local viscachas (a relative of the chinchilla that looks very much like a rabbit with a tail).

Join more than two million revellers for the biggest party in the world, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Aside from the main parade with its music, samba dancers and floats, there are balls and street parties, called blocos, too. Be prepared for lots of music and dancing.

Next time you’re in Rome, be sure to toss a coin over your shoulder into one of the most famous fountains in the world. You might recognise this Baroque masterpiece from Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita”, in which Anita Ekberg frolics in the water. Best not to copy her though – you might get stuck with a sizeable fine.

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is home to all of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and black rhinoceros) but it is most famous for it’s annual migration of more than 1.5 million wildebeest. Other animals include zebras, giraffes, hippopotamuses and gazelles; on a wildlife safari you might see them all.

Whether you visit for the amazing views of Paris by day or find a suitable vantage point (preferably with drink in hand) to watch it illuminate the City of Light by night, no trip to Paris is complete without a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.

This picturesque Greek island has a reputation for being one of the best sunset-viewing places in the world. Oia is where it’s at: stake out your spot early and, when the sun finally disappears over the watery horizon, don’t be surprised if you hear a chorus of applause.

Discover fascinating landscapes of the coldest and driest continent. Make landfall and you can get up close to amazing ice formations and local wildlife, including penguins, seals and whales.

Off Australia’s east coast lies the largest coral reef in the world. While diving and snorkelling will get you close to the action, a glass-bottomed boat tour will also allow you to peer at the colourful coral and tropical fish without getting wet.

It wouldn’t be a trip to the floating city without catching the traditional mode of transport. The only thing that can improve this quintessential Venetian activity is a glass of Prosecco – and perhaps a tune: some of the gondoliers even sing to you as they row.

It’s Antoni Gaudí’s incomplete masterpiece and has dominated Barcelona’s skyline for more than a century. Several of the impressive, soaring spires of this remarkable cathedral are open to the public to climb for breathtaking views of the city.

Known for its world-class surf conditions, this beach on Oahu’s north shore is the place to catch the big waves and was the one-time location for the Duke Kahanamoku surf competition. The palm-fringed crescent of perfect white sand has plenty to attract non-surfers too.

Discover the decorative architectural details of one of the most notable skyscrapers in New York – the Art Deco lobby is a must-see. Go up to the observation decks for a memorable view of The City that Never Sleeps.

Ecuador’s most popular tourist attraction is well known for it’s unique ecosystem, and you’ll find diverse wildlife both on land and in the waters surrounding these remote islands. Take a cruise or go for a dive to discover the underwater wonders the archipelago has to offer.

The classic version of this legendary hike takes four days and covers 43km of trail that is mostly of original Incan construction. You’ll get magnificent views of the mountainous Peruvian landscape on your approach to the celebrated architectural ruins of Machu Picchu.

It’s known as Tahiti’s Jewel of the South Seas where, by night you can sleep above crystalline blue waters in a private bungalow; by day you can jump into them directly from your own private deck.

Deep within the lofty peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, more than 6500 square kilometres of glorious glacier and forest-filled landscape makes up the awe-inspiring topography of Banff National Park, one of the world’s oldest.

Don’t settle for just driving by the Grand Canyon. To make the most of the natural wonder, you’ll need to devote at least a full day to exploring it. Five hours of drive time will take you from the popular South Rim to the less-visited North, or you can stay overnight and conquer one of the park’s hiking trails. However you do it, make sure you stay for the sunset.

The five-star hotels might draw you to The Maldives in the first place but once you're there, don't pass up the chance to twirl beneath the waves with these graceful sea giants. Take an unforgettable guided snorkelling tour to Hanifaru Bay, the most famous spot in the archipelago for mantas. 

The soaring limestone pillars and tiny islets of Ha Long Bay together form one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. The best way to see Vietnam’s top tourist attraction is on an overnight cruise, during which you’ll have plenty of time to marvel at Ha Long’s otherworldly peaks and disembark for a kayak through its inlets.

You’ll never see all of the largest rainforest on earth but you sure can sample it. The Amazon River is twice the size of India and its basin spans nine different countries, though most enter in Brazil. Allow a week to explore the Amazon's diverse jungle, floodplains and tributaries, keeping your eyes peeled to spot the 1,300 species of bird and 311 different mammals that live here.