Erika has always been interested in travel, but the travel bug didn’t bite Dan until she met Erika. We have both been adding to our travel bucket list ever since. We have ticked off some of our favourite travel destinations including Alaska, Italy and Greece.

We still have many places on our list and can’t wait to continue exploring the world over.

What’s on your travel bucket list? There are so many destinations in the world to see and explore, it’s worth compiling a list of your own “must see” places. Where will the next couple of years take you? Instead of booking the usual beach holiday, widen your horizons and book a holiday to somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. There are so many places it’s difficult to know where to start, so this article aims to give a helping hand by highlighting some of the most popular bucket list destinations.

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Whichever destination you choose ensure that you get information on the latest travel recommendations relating to your personal safety and health. Many destinations around the world recommend certain vaccinations to prevent you from contacting diseases particular to the area. You can gain further information from your medical centre or the  CBD Medical Centre, which has a designated travel doctor.

Read on for inspiration!

Dan – Egypt – the pyramids

Erika went to Egypt and visited the pyramids as part of a 3 year working holiday. After hearing Erika talk about the pyramids, I have always wanted us both to travel there together.

Egypt has a lot to offer the tourist, but most people travel to Egypt to see one of the seven wonders of the world – The pyramids. The pyramids are in remarkable condition despite the fact they date back to 2,560 BC. Most of the pyramids that remain in good condition are based in Giza. You can book various tours once in the area enabling you to see the best of the attractions. There are in fact 93 pyramids in Egypt as a whole. Egypt has received recent bad press due to the threat of terrorism, always check current travel advice before you book.

Dan & Erika – China

After travelling to Hong Kong in 2017, we both added China to our bucket list. We enjoy travelling to destinations to immerse ourselves in the food culture and for us, China would be a great foodie destination.

China is one of the only countries in the world that boasts a history of over 3,000 years. China has the world’s largest diversity in culture. Many tourists like to visit China as the culture is so different to our own. China is filled with ancient heritage including the Great Wall, ancient palaces, Buddhist temples, the giant panda and canals. The natural beauty of China is also impressive from mountains to gorges and lakes. If food is your passion you won’t be disappointed by the large variety of cuisine and diverse ingredients. China is now more accessible than in previous years and many direct flights are available. Once in China the public transport is efficient with high speed rail networks.  

Dan – Kenya & South Africa 

Erika spent 6 months travelling through Africa as part of her 3 years working holiday. She tells many stories about her time there and it is at the top of our travel bucket list. Erika is keen to take me on safari in Kenya to see the big 5.

If you love animals, Kenya is the place to visit. The safari opportunities in Kenya offer the ultimate in viewing the animals you know and love from Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” in their natural habitats. Lions, giraffes, zebras and elephants reside happily in the deserts, forests and grassy savannah. You could even consider going on a water safari and watch the wildlife drinking from the riverbanks.

Kenya has so much more to offer the tourist, so it’s worth booking a two centre break in order to visit the Kenyan coasts and lakes.

Erika – Nepal

The lure of Everest has always been an attraction for Erika. She loves to watch movies about Everest and has read many books about it. This is her ultimate travel destination. She has never felt that she would be fit enough to hike to base camp, but since losing the weight, this dream feels a little closer to being reality.

Nepal is a favourite travel destination for many adventure travellers. The Himalayas are a big drawcard, with many people travelling to Kathmandu to see them, others make the trek to base camp, with others embarking on the brave climb to the summit. Trekking at such high altitudes can be a real challenge so lots of preparation would be required.

Dan & Erika – Heart Reef – The Great Barrier Reef

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The aerial view of the heart reef is one of the most famous images of the Great Barrier Reef. Both of us would LOVE to take a scenic flight over this spectacular sight. It’s definitely one of those travel bucket list items for us.

We have both visited the outer reef and Low Isles out of Port Douglas, but due to our weight restrictions in the past we haven’t felt confident to take a scenic flight before. On our next trip to the Whitsundays, we will be booking a scenic flight to see this amazing sight.

The Great Barrier Reef is situated just off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It consists of 2000 km of coral reef, sustaining a diverse ecosystem of life. You can experience the reef by diving and snorkelling, it can also be viewed from above by helicopter. With coral reefs experiencing threat from pollution and global warming, don’t delay the opportunity to see one of the greatest underwater treasures on the planet.  

Dan & Erika – The Northern Lights

The northern lights are one of those wonders that would be on most travel bucket lists. We both agree that seeing the northern lights would be a once in a lifetime experience. Combining this with a trip to Lapland to see Santa and his reindeer, well who wouldn’t want to do that?

Head north towards the arctic in winter, to at least 60 degrees latitude in order to experience natures free light show – Aurora Borealis – The Northern Lights. You will need lots of warm clothes and drinks, as you will stay up late to catch a glimpse. The best viewing time is between 8pm and 2am. The Northern lights are celestial to watch and are very humbling.

You could combine your search for the Northern Lights with a trip to Lapland. Go on a snow safari to visit santa and spot some reindeer! Not just for the very young, you just need to be young at heart for this magical experience! 

Dan – The Grand Canyon – USA

Erika went to the Grand Canyon when she was a teenager on a family holiday. When we travelled to Las Vegas in 2010, we would have loved to have been able to take a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon. Again, it was our weight that held us back. This Natural wonder still remains on our bucket list. No longer will we be held back from these experiences and can’t wait to tick this one off.

The Grand Canyon has been carved over thousands of years and is situated in the state of Arizona. It is a dedicated UNESCO site and thousands of visitors visit the Grand Canyon every year for its natural beauty, culture and history.

The area also appeals to visitors looking for adventure, with camping, airtours and climbing on the agenda. The Grand Canyon has to be visited to truly experience its magnificence as it’s hard to describe with words and photos.

It can get very busy and hot between May and September.

Erika – Stonehenge

Erika spent a lot of time in the UK as part of her working holiday, but was never able to make it to see Stonehenge. Together we haven’t spent much time in the UK and Erika would love for us to spend some time travelling around the countryside and seeing more of the UK.

Stonehenge is situated in the UK, in the county of Wiltshire. It is magical, mysterious and spectacular place. The prehistoric monuments consist of a circle of standing stones. The stones are believed to date back to 3000 BC and are thought to be an early burial ground for our neolithic ancestors.

You could combine a visit to Stonehenge by visiting Glastonbury, famous for it’s summer music festival, but also for it’s unique cultural and spiritual heritage.

Dan & Erika – Go on a US road trip

We dream of one day hiring a campervan and spending 3 months travelling around the US. We both LOVE the US and feel we never have enough time to see much of it. We would love to travel from the west coast to the east coast and visit all the amazing places along the way.

The US is most famous for it’s road trip routes, such as Route 66 and the Pacific Highway, but you can set off on a road trip virtually anywhere. Just pack your campervan and go where the wind blows you!

So grab a notebook and pen and get compiling your travel bucket list! Hopefully some of these ideas will have whetted your appetite to try something a little different this year! You will soon be able to cross some destinations off your bucket list.   

We would love to hear what is on your travel bucket list! What is that one destination that has always been calling you, but you have yet to get to? Let us know in the comments below.