Portland, Oregon
The travel site VisitTheUSA.com calls Portland an extraordinarily unconventional city given it’s a little bit creative and a little bit counter-culture. What’s so great about Portland is that there is a tremendous number of places to explore not only indoors, but also in the great outdoors. Another great aspect about this city is how laid-back and friendly it is. Portland has a reputation for an eclectic nightlight, manicured parks, fabulous microbreweries and distilleries and incredible nature. It is also known for its world-renowned chefs and food carts, art in theaters, the world’s largest independent bookstore and a bridge reserved for bicyclists. From this description alone, you can see that Portland has just a little bit of everything. You will never quite run out of things to do!
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
If you’ve never considered adding Newfoundland and Labrador to your bucket list, you should. Newfoundland and Labrador is breathtaking! Along with the area being scenic and there are so many things to do. There’s an incredible stretch of coastline. You can choose to do things like hike along ancient footpaths, pack a picnic and watch for whales or head out to sea to hunt for icebergs. This simply comes standard with the great ocean view. Another cool aspect is the fact that the people who live there speak more dialects of English than the English do. While there are a million things to do while traveling to Newfoundland and Labrador, you can also choose to absolutely nothing at all except relax and take in the clean air and beautiful nature around you.
Exuma, the Bahamas
Are you ready to visit paradise? Say no more. When you visit Exuma, you will be able to lay on white sandy beaches and listen to the waves of crystal clear water right at your feet. Seriously, it’s like the ocean is filled with bottled water. The cool ocean breeze touching your skin and the sun beaming down on you will make you feel like you’ve just gotten a little taste of heaven. One cool feature that sets this island apart from others is the fact that is populated by a colony of feral pigs. These pigs live on the island and in the surrounding shallows. If you’re up for a little adventure, there are opportunities to snorkel anywhere on the island, including a famous cave. There are even opportunities to swim with the sharks. This doesn’t even cover a fraction of fun experiences you can have on this island.
Naples, Italy
When people choose to travel to Italy, they usually start in Rome but a really cool place to start your trek is in Naples and the breathtaking Mediterranean seaside around it. Naples is a vast city located on the western coast of Italy facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is also the third largest city in Italy Behind Rome and Milan. If you choose to add Naples to your bucket list, your trip is sure to be filled with a lot of history, nature and yummy foods! You’d also be crazy not to climb Mount Vesuvius or visit the ruins of Pompeii. There is also the Naples National Archaeological Museum, originally created in the 1750s to operate as a military and cavalry barracks. This is just a fraction of the historical sites you can travel to. You probably won’t be able to tackle it all on one trip!
Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island is also recognized as the “Garden Island,” for good reason. Kauai is draped in emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged by elements and times. There is also centuries of growth there that have formed tropical rainforests, forking rivers and cascading waterfalls! It honestly doesn’t get much better than this. There are some parts of the island that are only accessible by sea or air, but if you do decide to see those parts, they will reveal views that are beyond your imagination! If you’re an adventure seeker, Kauai is your place as it is home to a variety of outdoor activities including kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and zip lining. The island is also recognized for its laid-back atmosphere and rich culture. It will definitely be a trip you’ll never forget.
Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is considered to be one of the most alluring cities in the world and a must-see destination if you’re traveling to Portugal and what travelers love most about it is the fact that there is a little something for everyone. The area is filled with enchanting palaces, historical fortifications and enigmatic pathways that occupy each hilltop slope. The town is famed for its Romanticism style of architecture. There are numerous examples of this everywhere. There are also moonlight walks that are organized each month. Usually, Sintra is visited as a day trip from Lisbon, but you’ll surely need more than one day to fully explore this fascinating place. Be sure to visit the Palacio de Pena, Quinta da Regaleira and Convento dos Capuchos as these three places are major sites.
Oman
There are few places quite like Oman which is home to vast deserts, emerald-green valleys, the Grand Canyon of Arabia, white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. While it may seem strange that these landscapes all exist in one nation, you can see them all in one place if you choose to travel to Oman. It is considered a jewel on the Arabian Peninsula. It is located just south of Dubai on the Arabian Peninsula and is home of the legendary Sinbad the Sailor and the Queen of Sheba. The minute you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale novel filled with warm, friendly people, historical fortresses and colorful palaces; all surrounded by mountain scenery which can be described as magical.
Slovenia
There are many reasons to add Slovenia to your bucket list. Slovenia is nestled between Italy, Austria and Croatia and while it is a small country, it truly has something for every traveler. One major reason you’ll enjoy traveling to Slovenia is because it’s an affordable European destination. Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana will remind you of Amsterdam, but it still very affordable. There are free city walking tours. You can wander the cobblestone streets and peek into hipster shops in the cute downtown areas and get this – AirBnB options range from 18-24 USD per night! Can you really beat that? You’ll also love the scenery. Slovenia has everything from the sea to lakes to mountains. It was also named one of the greenest (environmentally friendly and sustainable) countries in the world. If you choose to travel there, be ready to breath in fresh mountain air and enjoy the crystal spring water.
Sri Lanka
This South Asian island deserves to be at the top of your bucket list. Sri Lanka is full of breathtaking beaches, tea plantations and wildlife. What sets Sri Lanka apart from a lot of places is the fact that it Is one of the more culturally, architecturally and spiritually enhanced countries in the world. Some will say it’s like the real-life version of The Lion King. One of the top tourist destinations is the Golden Temple of Dambulla. While there are hundreds of Buddhist temples and historical sites to be seen here, this is a must-see as it is the biggest and best preserved of them all. Sri Lanka is also known for its beaches. The scenic village of Mirissa has immaculately clean shores. People can be seen surfing, whale watching and napping in hammocks. It doesn’t get much better than this!
The Galapagos Islands
You probably saw this one on the list and rolled your eyes. For many travelers, the idea of exploring Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands seems impossible. Many people deem it too hard to reach, too expensive or too impossible to tackle alone. These concerns can all be alleviated if you go on a group tour of the islands, which will provide you expert knowledge and bring you alongside like-minded travelers. One of the reasons why you’ll want to travel here is the fact that you’ll be witnessing incredible biodiversity. The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the highest levels of endemism anywhere on the planet which means that around 8 percent of the land birds, 97 percent of the reptiles and land mammals and more than 30 percent of the plants can only be found in the area. If you travel there, know that you will be getting a chance to experience something that many never have the chance to experience.
Boston, Massachusetts
You may be wondering how Boston found its way on this list but don’t be mistaken. Boston has it all, from history and culture, to great food, sports teams and entertainment. Saying that Boston is historically rich is an understatement. There is history everywhere. In fact, it is one of the most historic cities in the country. Boston is known as the “Cradle of Modern America,” the birthplace of the American Revolution can still be felt at the cobblestone. Must see sights include the Freedom Trail, the location of the Boston Tea Party, the USS Constitution, the Old State House and the Paul Revere House. There are also many public gardens and outdoor venues where you can just sit back and relax. For residents these places are a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
San Diego, California
You’ll fall in love with San Diego as soon as you travel there. It is one of the most visited cities for a reason. San Diego has beautiful beaches, a fantastic climate and plenty to see and do and eat. San Diego is never gets too hot or too cold. Seriously, the average temperature any given day of the year is around 70 degrees. San Diego have four-star hotel rooms for less than $200 a night which means you can travel in real comfort on a budget. The combination of attractions and affordability make it one of the best places to travel in the country. There are also many free activities you can do. San Diego also has fascinating history. The first settlers of San Diego came from Mexico and Spain and established the first mission and fort in 1769. It was about the 100 years later that the city became a part of the United States and California was granted statehood making San Diego the birthplace of California.
Havana, Cuba
Havana is breathtaking. It is a blend of the old and new, with vintage cars, Spanish colonial architecture, unique galleries and a booming night life. While there is so much excitement when booking a trip, there is probably a great deal of uncertainty. The embargo that dates back to the 1960s, made most travel to Cuba by Americans off-limits. Only recently has Cuban and American relation improved and the embargo loosened which Allows United State citizens to travel to the country with less regulations. If you do decide to travel there, it’s important that you do your research. While there are still some light restrictions for Americans traveling there, once you do get there, you will most surely be charmed with Havana’s character, culture and friendly people.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle has no shortage of things to see or do. Seattle’s geography is between two mountain ranges with plenty of salt and fresh water. This means there are plenty of outdoor adventures. It is also the home of some pretty fantastic produce, seafood and meats. If you add Seattle to your bucket list, there will be so many places to travel including fantastic landmarks, museums, stories and experiences you just can’t find anywhere else. That definitely includes the Space Needle Observation Deck which every person should visit at least once. Seattle is also a beer town, with breweries dotting the city. If you enjoy beer, you can walk from brewpub to brewpub trying all the varieties of local beers.
Belize
Belize may be tiny but it is abundant in things to do. The Caribbean coastline is home to the second largest coral reef in the world right after the Great Barrier Reef. The island’s lush inland is filled with dense jungle so if you’re adventurous and nature loving, you will not run out of things to do! Belize is rich in language, culture and food. While English is its official language, there are many residents who speak Kriol, Spanish, Maya or Garifuna. Recent groups including the Chinese and the Mennonites, along with American and Canadian retirees add a level of diversity to Belize that make it a very unique place. The diverse culture and cuisine, along with the preservation of history and biodiversity make it a place that should appear on everyone’s bucket list.
