Travel Bucket List for Every Country in the World

My life goal is to visit every country in the world! Here is my bucket list of everything I want to accomplish as I make my way through the countries of the globe.

25/262 countries (read my post about how I came up with this number here!)
40/1073 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
144 flights taken

How to read the list:

I have categorized everything by continent, then by country. If I have been to a country, there's a picture which you can click on to read all the blog posts about that country. Each bolded item has been completed; you can click on them to read more!

Europe

Abkhazia

visit Lake Ritsa
explore the monastery in New Athos
go to the deepest cave in the world, Krubera Cave

Adjara

visit 2013's World's Best Commercial Building
wander the Batumi Botanical Garden
hike in Mtirala National Park
visit the ruins of Gonio Fortress

Åland Island

attend a Maypole Midsummer's Eve Festival
explore the medieval Franciscan monastery ruins of Kokar
go biking through the Archipelago
visit the capital, Mariehamn
explore Kastelholm Castle in Sund
go swimming off the Geta beaches
visit the Bomarsund Fortress

Albania

go on a boat trip of Lake Koman
explore the ancient ruins of Apollonia
visit the Blue Eye natural springs pool
take in the view from Gjirokastër Fortress
stop in at the Zvernec Monastery in Vlore
explore the Petrela Castle in Tirana
cross Gorica Bridge
hang out in the Albanian Riviera
drive through the picturesque Llogara Pass
explore the Amphitheatre of Durrës
wander through Butrint, a UNESCO site preserving a prehistoric Greek city

Andorra

travel by dog sledge at Vallnord
go hiking through the UNESCO Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley
explore the capital of Andorra la Vella, the highest capital in Europe

Armenia

explore the monastery of Tatev
take in the views from the Haghpat Monastery bell tower
wander through the epic spires of Goris
attend a Mozart dinner concert at the Siftskeller St. Peter
take in the view of Innsbruck from the top of the Hafelekar
hike through the Karwendel region

Artsakh

check out the monument of Papik Tatik
explore Lover's Alley

Belarus

visit the UNESCO 15th century Mir Castle
explore Minsk
visit the Braslav Lakes
explore the Brest Fortress
wander the sweet Nesvizh Castle

Belgium

wander through the Grand Place flower carpet in Brussels
walk through the UNESCO historic centre of Bruges
take part in the Ghent Celebrations in July in Ghent
visit the world's first casino in Spa, built in 1763
hang out in the waterfalls of the Grotto of Dinant

Bosnia Herzegovina

cross over Old Bridge Mostar
visit the world's only city-waterfall, the Jajce Waterfall of the Pliva River
explore Europe's largest spring at Buna
swim in the Kravice Waterfalls
cross the Sokolovic Bridge, completed by the Ottomans in 1577

Bulgaria

explore the Seven Rila Lakes
visit the Rhodope Mountains
experience the history of Bulgarian Communism at the Buzludzha

Croatia

visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
wander through the historic port of Hvar
explore the ancient Dioceltian Palace
go island hopping through some of Croatia's over 1000 islands
visit Dubrovnik, the filming location of King's Landing in Game of Thrones
visit Old Mill Istra
explore the back streets of Korcula
climb the Spanjola Fortress in Hvar
swim in the Krka Waterfall
walk the city walls of Dubrovnik
visit the medieval town of Trogir
explore Dugi Otok island
climb the bell tower for views over Split

Denmark

wander through the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen
see the famous Little Mermaid statue
explore the free neighbourhood of Christiania
experience Nyhavn by boat
go cycling through Copenhagen
view the cliffs of Bornholm
explore the Danish Riviera
visit the Skagen Peninsula
explore old town Aarhus
learn about the history of Fredericksborg Castle
walk around the tow of Ribe
explore the idyllic town of Mariager
stop in at UNESCO site Christiansfeld
BOOKS TO READ: The Elephant Keepers' Children

England

ride the London Eye
visit the ancient Roman Baths
experience the world of Harry Potter at London's studio tour
take in the views of Stonehenge
stand on the Greenwich Meridian Line, the centre of time
wander through the halls of Oxford
go camping on the Scilly Isles
visit the gorgeous St. Michael's Mount
wander through the Cotswolds
explore Cambridge's university town
walk along the windswept clifftops and seaside beaches of Roseland Peninsula
explore London's Kew Gardens
take in the desolation of the Yorkshire Moors
go for walks in Hampstead Heath
see the Hogsmeade train station at Goathland
BOOKS TO READ: The Memory Garden

Germany

explore the Christmas markets
experience Germany's largest Oktoberfest in Munich
visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle
go island-hopping off the coast
walk along the Berlin Wall
hike Thuringian Foreset
cross the Bastei Bridge
explore the Black Forest
visit the Herrenchiemsee New Palace
wander through the Quedlinburg Abbey
go hiking in the Lautersee area
hike up to Ferchensee
explore the ruins of Heidelberg Castle
visit the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber
frolic through the flowers of Mainau Island
learn about the history of Cecilienhof Castle in Potsdam
travel along the 600km Fairy Tale Route
go hiking in Berchtesgaden National Park

Gibraltar

see Africa from Europa Point
climb to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar

Greece

watch the sunset over the white buildings in Santorini
walk down the Epidaurus Theater steps
visit the Acropolis of Athens
see the Parthenon
hike from Fira to Oia
island-hop the Cyclades
explore the monasteries of Meteora
take in the view from Filerimos
visit the ruins at Cape Sounion
go hiking in Zagori
swim at Sithonia Beach
explore the monasteries of Meteora
explore the island of Crete
see the ruins on the island of Mykonos
go swimming in the Bay of Palaiokastritsa
explore the Mamma Mia island of Skopelos
wander through the Delphi ruins
explore the towns of Andros Island

Greenland

visit Illulissat Icefjord
explore Nuuk

Guernsey

walk the perimeter of Herm Island
BOOKS TO READ: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Hungary

swim in the Széchenyi thermal baths

Iceland

swim in the Blue Lagoon
explore Skaftafell Ice Cave
roadtrip the Ring Road
see the waterfalls at Gullfoss, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss
spot the Northern Lights
explore Reykjavik
go hiking in Landmannalaugar
search for fairies at Grundarfjörður

Ireland

spend St. Patrick's Day in Dublin
go on a road trip around Killarney National Park
feel the wind at the Cliffs of Moher
roadtrip the Ring of Kerry
drive through the Gap of Dunloe
explore the beauty of Kylemore Abbey
visit Europe's highest cliffs at Slieve League
kayak at sunrise on Lake Killarney
explore the prehistoric Bru na Boinne
wander the quaint streets of Kilkenny
explore Kilkenny Castle
visit the pink Bridges Park
stand on the cliffs of the Aran Islands
explore Inisheer

Isle of Man

bike around the island
visit Laxey Wheel, the world's largest working waterwheel
walk the waterfront in Peel
ride the tram to the top of Snaefell
wander through Ballaglass Glen

Italy

take a gondola ride in Venice
attend Carnival of Venice
eat pizza in Naples
eat gelato in Cinque Terre
visit the Colosseum in Rome
take an optical illusion photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa
hike between the five towns of Cinque Terre
make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
take in the view of Mount Etna from Taormina in Sicily
explore the hilltop town of Assisi in Umbria
experience Renaissance Florence
appreciate the architecture of Milan
visit Mount Vesuvius
spot Juliet's balcony in Verona
explore the quaint villages around Lake Garda
hear live music in Piazza Maggiore
walk along the Walls of Lucca
explore the island of Elba
visit the world-famous statue of David
wander the world's oldest academic garden Orto botanico di Padova
take in the views from the Amalfi Coast
explore Isola Bella
take in the sea views from Villa Comunale Di Taormina
cross the Gaiola Bridge
attend a concert at Chiostro di San Francesco
visit the Dolomites
hike Lagazuoi Mountain

Jersey

walk over the causeway at Elizabeth Castle
explore the war tunnels
visit Mont Orgueil
hike to Grosnez Castle

Kosovo

explore the Mirusha Waterfalls

Latvia

explore old city Riga

Liechtenstein

visit Vaduz Castle

Lithuania

visit the geographic centre of Europe in Purnuskes
visit old Lithuania in Trakai

Northern Ireland

visit the Titanic museum where she departed on her maiden voyage
explore the Titanic Quarter
wander through Belfast Castle
learn about the history of Carrickfergus Castle
take in the view from Cavehill
tour the ruins of Dunluce Castle
drive the Causeway Coastal Route
visit Giant's Causeway
cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

North Macedonia

explore Ohrid Old Town and Lake
visit the Monastery of St. Naum on the springs of the Drim River
visit the most distinguished Macedonian cathedral at the Monastery of St Joakim Osogovski
feel small in Matka Canyon
cross the Stone Bridge
explore the Old Bazaar built in the 12th century

Norway

ride the Oslo-Bergen rail line
stay in the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
see the iconic red huts of Svolvaer
visit the fishing village of Reine
stay in a mountain lodge at Renndolsetra
walk on the blue ice Nigardsbreen glacier
drive the Trolls Road
experience the stunning Geirangerfjord region
watch sunset over Hoyvika Beach
take in the views from the top of Skjolden
see the light through the tunnel in Torghatten
visit Borgund Stave Church
hike Preikestolen
perch 800 meters above Lysefjord on Pulpit Rock
hike up to Trolltunga
stand on Kjeragbolten, a glacial deposit between a Kjerag mountain crevasse
feel the spray from the Latefossen Waterfall
explore the Lofoten Islands
meet the Sami reindeer
drive the Atlantic Ocean Road

Poland

visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum
explore Malbork Castle
wander Lublin Old Town
explore Bialowieza National Park
learn about the history of gingerbread at Muzeum Piernika
go hiking in Tatra National Park
explore Wroclaw's Market Square
visit Wawel Castle
hike around Czarny Staw pod Rysami

Portugal

visit the starting point of Vasco da Gama's world voyage at Belem
climb Serra de Sintra by the colourful National Palace of Pena
watch the sunset at Costa Vincentina National Park
ride the tram in Alfama
swim through Ponta da Piedade
look down into the Boca do Inferno or the Mouth of Hell
see dolphins in the Azores
wander the coastline of Praia da Rocha
visit the Castle of Marvão

Romania

visit Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula's Castle
spot the magical Bigar Waterfall
wander the quaint streets of Sibiu
explore Peles Castle

Russia

travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway
walk across the world's longest pedestrian bridge in Sochi
explore the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg
visit the Moscow Kremlin
watch a ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre
stand in the Red Square in Moscow, home to Lenin's Mausoleum
see the lights on the Cathedral of Christ the Savior
visit the Kamchatka Volcanoes
see the fantastic Turquoise Ice Lake in Baikal
BOOKS TO READ: The Bronze Horseman

San Marino

take a picture with the Guard of the Rock
climb Monte Titano adorned with Three Towers to take in the view
explore the historic centre
visit Cava dei Balestrieri
stop in at Palazzo Pubblico

Scotland

ride the Hogwarts Express over the Glenfinnan Viaduct
walk part of Hadrian's Wall
look for the Loch Ness Monster in the Highlands
swim in the fairy pools on the Isle of Skye
visit Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa
hike Ben Nevis
drive the North Coast 500 Road through the Highlands
drive the Wester Ross Coastal Trail
explore the ancient archipegalo of Orkney
visit the wild Isle of Jura
explore Edinburgh Castle
hike Arthur's Seat
explore Iona Abbey and Nunnery
climb up to McCaig's Tower in Oban
cycle part of Great Glen Way
ride the Jacobite steam train
walk from Cruden Bay to the Bullers of Buchan
explore the ruins of Dunnottar Castle
attend the viking festival Up Helly Aa in Lerwick in the Shetland Islands
BOOKS TO READ: 44 Scotland Street

Serbia

explore the fortress of Petrovardin
visit Belgrade

Slovakia

explore Devin Castle
walk through St. Elizabeth's Church with the beautiful blue walls
walk under Michael's Gate
hike through Tatras National Park
visit Bojnice Castle

Slovenia

visit Lake Bled
look down into Vintgar Gorge
explore the caves of Postojna
hike Velika Planina
go kayaking in Bovec
jump in the Soca River
stay in the hut at Kanin
go hiking at Mangartsko Sedlo
admire the landscapes of Zelenci
explore Trenta
swim in Velika Korita Soce
find waterfalls in Sunikov Vodni Gaj
follow the trail at Tolminska Korita
explore Ljubljana Castle
see the view at Izvir Tolminke
explore the caves at Postojnska Jama
do an overnight hike at Triglavska Jezera

South Ossetia

explore the mountains

Spain

attend the tomato fight La Tomatina in Bunol
swim in the Balearic Islands
wander through the Alhambra
visit the futuristic city of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
walk through the Mezquita de Cordoba
visit the historic city of Toledo
see the famous river gorge at the Ciudad de Ronda
take in the views of the Picos de Europa
hang out in the Canary Islands
visit the old Moorish fort of Alcazar
eat at the oldest restaurant in the world: Sobrino de Botin
explore the dreamy Mallorca
awe at the Sagrada Familia
learn to flamenco dance in Seville
walk the Camino de Santiago
visit the windmills of Castille-la-Mancha
take in the views from Park Güell
explore the mountain village of Albarracín
visit the Alcázar of Segovia
wander the passages of Monasterio de Piedra
explore the Cíes Islands

Svalbard

see the northern lights
experience midnight daylight
visit the coal-mining town of Longyearbyen
enjoy a husky-dog sled ride
go skiing in the most unique place in the world
visit Barentsburg

Sweden

wander through the Djurgarden
stay in the world's largest ice hotel
visit the art studios of Visby
celebrate midsommar in Dalarna
go island-hopping in the Stockholm Archipegalo
BOOKS TO READ: The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden

Switzerland

visit the Zermatt Matterhorn
sing the Sound of Music in the Alps
watch the sunset at the Chateau de Chillon on the edge of Lake Geneva
hike through the Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area
appreciate the beauty of Lake Luzern
take a train on the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula Bernina Landscapes
hike Piz Bernina
visit the Palace of Nations in Geneva
go skiing at St Moritz
ride the steep train up Mount Pilatus
go hiking in Interlaken
take the cable car up Monte St Salvatore
visit Europe's largest waterfall at the Rhine Falls
trek Mont Blanc
go sky-diving in Lauterbrunnen

Transnistria

explore a 16th century Ottoman fortress at Festung Tighina
visit the beautiful Noul Neamt Monastery
take in the view from Kitskany Bridgehead Memorial of Glory
take the Dniester River Ferry

Turkey

go on a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise
visit Aya Sofia in Istanbul
swim in the Pamukkale Thermal Pools
visit the rock tombs at Amyntas and Lycian
explore the seaside towns of the Eastern Black Sea
see the statues of Mount Nemrut
visit the monasteries of Mardin
explore the ancient town of Hasankeyf
see the Düden Waterfalls
visit the blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parkı
explore the cliffside Sumela Monastery
visit the ruins of Troy
explore the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
cruise in a gulet along the Turquoise Coast
visit the ruins of Ephesus

Ukraine

hike the Carpathian Mountains
explore the beaches of Yalta
cross the Ai-Petri bridge in Crimea
visit the stunning castle of Swallow's Nest
walk through the railway Tunnel of Love
explore the castle of Kamianets-Podilskyi
take in the view from Lviv High Castle
watch a ballet at Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater

Vatican City

visit St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest
see Michelangelo's work at the Sistine Chapel
spot La Pieta
walk through the Raphael Rooms
explore the underground Necropolis

NORTH AMERICA

Alabama, USA

take a night hike at Dismals Canyon Conservatory
visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville
drive around the rim of Little River Canyon National Preserve
watch the sunset on Dauphin Island

Alaska, USA

chase the Aurora Borealis
go hiking through Chugach State Park
visit the Portage Glacier
hike to Flattop Mountain
explore Kenai Fjords National Park
ride the Mount Roberts Tramway
take a boat tour of Tracy Arm
ride the train through White Pass on the Yukon Route
visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves
wander the trails of Denali National Park
spot the glaciers at Glacier Bay
take in the stunning views of Gates of the Arctic

Arctic

go on an expedition to the North Pole

Arizona, USA

look down into the Grand Canyon
sit at Horseshoe Bend
walk through Antelope Canyon
jump into Havasu Falls
drive the Apache Trail
hike Camelback Mountain
take a photo in the Hole in the Rock
go hiking through Saguaro National Park
take a tram through Sabino Canyon
take in the view from Chapel of the Holy Cross
hike Table Top Mountain
trek the historic hiking trail of Munds Wagon
watch sunset at Watson Lake

Arkansas, USA

visit the historic bathhouse at Hot Springs National Park
mine for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds
hike Pinnacle Mountain

California, USA

camp under the stars in Death Valley
visit Lake Tahoe
go hiking in Yosemite National Park
roadtrip Highway 1 down to Big Sur
walk through the outdoor lamps at LA County Museum of Art
drive the Avenue of Giants in Redwood National Park
explore Joshua Tree
hike Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park
hike to view the Hollywood sign
explore Calico Ghost Town
bike across the Golden Gate Bridge
find Salvation Mountain
visit the world's largest tree at Sequoia National Park
drive through the USA's deepest canyon in Kings Canyon National Park
hike to the stunning blue Big Pine Lakes

Illinois, USA

stand under the Chicago Bean

Indiana, USA

wander along the Indiana Dunes
visit Brown County State Park in autumn
explore Hundred Acres at Newfields

Iowa, USA

explore the Capitol Building in Des Moines

Kansas, USA

hike through Arikaree Breaks
spot Monument Rocks National Landmark
stop in at the Oz Museum

Kentucky, USA

attend the Kentucky Derby

Louisiana, USA

attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Maine, USA

explore Acadia National Park
take in the views from Cadillac Mountain
hike Mount Katahdin
wander Baxter State Park
drive the scenic Park Loop Road

Nebraska, USA

explore the Agate Fossil Beds

Nevada, USA

walk the Las Vegas strip
explore Valley of Fire State Park

New Brunswick, Canada

explore Hopewell Rocks
go hiking through Fundy National Park
canoe on the lagoons of Kouchibouguac National Park

Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada

drive through Iceberg Alley
take in the views of Gros Morne National Park
visit the historical site of L'Anse aux Meadows

New Hampshire, USA

hike Mount Washington
explore Franconia Notch
visit some of the islands of Lake Winnipesaukee
see the vibrant autumnal colours on Route 112
BOOKS TO READ: A Walk in the Woods

New Jersey, USA

wander along the famous Jersey Shore
spot the Statue of Liberty from Liberty State Park
cross George Washington Bridge

New York, USA

spend Christmas and New Year's in NYC
watch the sunrise from the top of the Empire State Building
go ice skating in Central Park
cross the Brooklyn Bridge

North Carolina, USA

explore the historic Biltmore Estate
summit Clingmans Dome
explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mingus Mill

North Dakota, USA

explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Northwest Territories, Canada

see the Northern Lights in Yellowknife
visit the beautiful Nahanni National Park Reserve

Nova Scotia, Canada

check out the 300-million-year-old fossils at Joggins
explore the historic town of Lunenburg

Nunavut, Canada

go hiking through the arctic glaciers of Auyuittuq National Park
spot Munt Thor
see polar bears on Beechey Island

Ohio, USA

go hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Oklahoma, USA

swim in Turner Falls

Ontario, Canada

cross the Rainbow Bridge over Niagara Falls
lean off the CN Tower Edgewalk
go skating on Rideau Canal

Pennsylvania, USA

hear Liberty Bell ring
explore Independence Hall, the adoption site of US Constitution
eat chocolate at Hersheypark

Prince Edward Island, Canada

re-live Anne of Green Gables
cross Confederation Bridge

Quebec, Canada

walk around Old Quebec City
go whale-watching in Côte-Nord
go canoeing on the lakes of La Mauricie National Park
explore Miguasha National Park
visit Montreal
wander the Quartier Petit Champlain

Rhode Island, USA

walk the Historic Cliff Walk
visit colonial mansions of Providence

Saskatchewan, Canada

explore Prince Albert National Park

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

visit the brightly coloured houses of Saint Pierre

South Carolina, USA

explore Congaree National Park
hike Table Rock
BOOKS TO READ: The Secret Life of Bees

South Dakota, USA

see Mount Rushmore

Tennessee, USA

hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
listen to live country music in Nashville
check out the underground waterfall Ruby Falls

Texas, USA

swim in Jacobs Well
attend a rodeo
view the stars at McDonald Observatory

CENTRAL AMERICA

Anguilla

spot dolphins at Shoal Bay
go snorkeling off the Prickly Pear Cays
swim at Meads Bay
wander along the crystal clear waters of Rendezvous Bay
go swimming at Maundays Bay
explore the beachside village of Sandy Ground
spot the petroglyphs of Fountain Cavern National Park

Antigua & Barbuda

hike up to Shirley Heights
summit Mount Obama National Park
swim with the stingrays
go swimming in the aqua waters of Galley Bay
explore one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Half Moon Bay
go snorkeling at Darkwood Beach
visit the UNESCO site of Nelson's Dockyard
see the naturally-carved Devil's Bridge
swim through Hell's Gate

Aruba

swim at Eagle Beach
explore Arikok National Park's caves
explore the California Lighthouse
go snorkeling at Arashi Beach
watch sunset at Malmok Beach
snorkel the SS Antilla
swim in the Natural Pool
hike Hooiberg
climb to the island's highest point at Mount Jamanota

Bahamas

hang out with the swimming pigs at Pig Island

Barbados

swim with turtles
walk through the Andromeda Gardens
take in the views from the Flower Forest
dive the Stavronikita Wreck
go swimming at Dover Beach
walk the South Coast Boardwalk

Belize

scuba dive the Great Blue Hole
jump into Butterfly Falls
explore Xunantanich ruins
spend the day on Caye Caulker

Bermuda

go swimming at Horseshoe Bay
enjoy the peaceful Warwick Long Bay
explore Jobson's Cove
hike to the lighthouse atop Gibb's Hill
jump into Blue Hole Park
visit Admiralty House Park

Bonaire

go snorkeling in the reefs of Klein Bonaire
explore Washington Slagbaai National Park
try windsurfing at Sorobon Beach
hang out with the flamingos at Flamingo Sanctuary
explore the port of Kralendijk

British Virgin Islands

swim in the Virgin Gorda Baths
explore Gorda Peak National Park
go swimming at White Bay
hang out on Smuggler's Cove Beach
go hiking in Sage Mountain National Park
wander the pirate town of Road Town
explore Rhone National Maritime Park
see the flamingos of Anegada Island
visit Norman Island, said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island
relax on Peter Island

Cayman Islands

swim with sting rays at Sting Ray City
spend the day at Rum Point
visit Hell

Costa Rica

go zip-lining through the forest canopies
hang out in Tabacon Hot Springs, fed by volcanoes
explore the bridges of Monteverde Cloud Forest
meet the sloths of Parque Nacional Corcovado

Cuba

wander through Old Havana
visit the UNESCO Parque de Vinales
explore the iconic San Pedro de la Roca Castle

Curaçao

go diving off Klein Curaçao
cross the Queen Emma Bridge
doze under the palms of Blue Bay
go swimming at Kleine Knip
explore the Hato Caves
visit the Aloe Vera Plantation
wander the pastel streets of Punda
explore Christoffel National Park

Dominica

swim in the Emerald Pool
explore the forests of Morne Trois Pitons National Park
swim in the Titou Gorge where they filmed a part of Pirates of the Caribbean
hike up to Trafalgar Falls

Dominican Republic

descend the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua
go swimming at Playa Rincon
explore the Zona Colonial
hike Pico Duarte

El Salvador

zipline over the Apaneca coffee plantations
hike through the Parque Nacional El Boqueron
visit the Santa Ana Volcano
explore the gorgeous Lake Coatepeque

Grenada

hike Grand Etang Lake
wander the pink sands of Pink Gin Beach
explore the cocoa plantations of Belmont Estate
hang out on Magazine Beach
swim in Annandale Falls

Guadeloupe

take photos of the darling Îles des Saintes
hike La Grande Soufrière
go for a walk along Pointe des Châteaux
visit Carbet Falls
hang out with iguanas on Petite Terre Islands

Guatemala

visit the famous market at Chichicastenago
wander the cobblestoned streets of Antigua
hike up the Pacaya Volcano
take in the views of Lake Atitlan
view sunrise in Tikal

Haiti

visit the historic fortress of Citadelle Laferriere
swim in Bassin Bleu
hike Pic la Selle
explore Pic Macaya National Park

Honduras

scuba dive the Great Mayan Reef
visit the Little French Key island
swim in the turquoise waters of West Bay

Jamaica

climb 600 feet up through Dunn River Falls
swing on the beach at Frenchman's Cove
raft down the Rio Grande
explore the caves at Reach Falls

Martinique

hike Mount Pelée
go swimming at Anse Dufour

Mexico

bike around the Isla Mujeres
explore Chichen Itza
swim in Cenotes
visit Frida and Diego's Mexico City
dance with the butterflies at Monarch Biosphere Reserve in Michoacan
attend Day of the Dead Parade in Mexico City

Montserrat

view the volcano-destroyed villages surrounding Soufrière Hills

Nicaragua

go volcano boarding on Cerro Negro
hang out on Ometepe Island
go cliff jumping at Somoto Canyon
see bubbling lava at Masaya
swim in the volcanic lake Laguna de Apoyo
escape to the Corn Islands

Panama

take a boat on the Panama Canal
wander along the Avenida Balboa
bike the Amador Causeway

Puerto Rico

take an eco-excursion through the Camuy Caves
explore Isla de Vieques

Saba

check out Mount Scenery
go scuba diving in Saba National Marine Park
climb the steps at Ladder Bay

Saint Barthélemy

hang out on Grand Cul-de-Sac beach
explore Anse des Cayes
wander Lorient
go snorkeling at Île Fourchue

Saint Kitts and Nevis

hike Mount Liamuiga
learn about the sugar plantation history of Romney Manor
find shells at Cockleshell Bay
go snorkeling at Turtle Beach

Saint Lucia

have a Sulphur Springs Mud Bath

Saint Martin

hike to Pic Paradis

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

visit Waillilabou Bay where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed

Sint Eustatius

hike The Quill

Sint Maarten

watch planes fly close overhead over Maho Beach
catch sunrise from Dawn Beach

Trinidad and Tobago

go swimming in Maracas Bay
hike El Cerro del Aripo
walk along Mayaro Bay
spot marine wildlife in Bon Accord Lagoon
climb the steps down to Pirate's Bay
go snorkeling off Goat Island

Turks and Caicos

explore Salt Cay
go snorkeling in Chalk Sound
go sailing in Ambergris Cay
swim at Grace Bay Beach, the best beach in the world
tour Providenciales
visit Iguana Island

US Virgin Islands

explore Virgin Islands National Park
hike to Reef Bay Sugar Mill ruins
go swimming in Magens Bay
snorkel at Trunk Bay
dance on the white sands of Cinnamon Bay
hike to Drake's Seat
swing on the tire swing at Gibney Beach
spot colourful fish at Hawksnest Beach

SOUTH AMERICA

Argentina

explore Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil
trek all through Patagonia (also in Chile)
learn to tango in Buenos Aires
hike through the Andes - especially Cerro Aconcagua
explore Glaciar Perito Moreno
take a glimpse of the mysterious Tierra del Fuego
go hiking in Los Glaciares National Park
take in the beauty of the architecture in Córdoba
spot the lake of Nahuel Huapi National Park
take the cable car up Cerro Otto
visit Casa Rosada
see the iridescent Marble Caves on General Carrera Lake
explore the ruins of Jesuit Missions of Guaranis
check out the cave art of Cueva de las Manos
wave to the sea lions of the Península Valdés
wander through the otherworldly Ischigualasto Park
photograph the coloured hills of the Quebrada de Humahuaca
travel along part of the Qhapaq Ñan Andean Road System

Bolivia

bike down Death Road
hang out on Isla Incahuasi
explore Valle de la Luna
visit Salar de Uyuni
explore The Witches' Market in La Paz
cross the Mono Zip Line in Coroico
explore Madidi National Park
learn about dinosaurs at Parque Cretacico
swim in Lake Titicaca
visit the ruins of Tiwanaku

Brazil

attend Carnival in Rio
get a selfie with Christ the Redeemer
head up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain
explore Iguacu National Park
visit Baia do Sancho
hike the Morro da Urca
explore Ibirapuera Park
watch sunset at Ponte dos Ingleses
wander the Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia
swim in the Bay of All Saints
visit the Enchanted Well in Chapada Diamantina
explore the Fernando de Noronha archipelago

Chile

explore Easter Island
watch the sunset in the Atacama Desert
hike the full circuit of Torres del Paine
take in the views of Santiago from Sky Costanera
watch the Geyser del Tatio
visit the famous Robinson Crusoe Island
explore the Elqui Valley
go hiking in the Lake District
spot the colourful homes of Valparaiso
visit the caves of Catedral de Marmol
spend a night in Hotel La Montana Magica

Colombia

spot a pink dolphin in the Amazon River
trek to the Lost City of Teyuna
explore the walled city of Cartagena
visit Laguna de Guatape
experience Bogota's music scene
swim in the red river of Cano Cristales
go hiking in Arvi Park
climb El Penon de Guatape
explore Tayrona National Park

Ecuador

go snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands
stand on the equator at Mitad del Mundo
visit the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus in Quito
explore El Cajas National Park
wander through Quito Old Town
hike up to Laguna Quilotoa
take a swing in Banos
go bird-watching in Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve
hike Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island
take on the Quilotoa Loop trail
hike Cotopaxi Volcano
take the Nariz del Diablo train

Falkland Islands

visit the penguins of Bluff Cove Lagoon
explore Gypsy Cove
appreciate the war history of Mount Longdon

French Guiana

explore Devil's Island
check out Fort Ceperou
have a picnic at Fourgasse Falls
learn about the history of Iles du Salut

Guyana

spot the stunning Kaieteur Falls
visit the cathedrals of Georgetown
visit Orinduik Falls
explore the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve
spot turtles at Shell Beach

Paraguay

visit La Santisima Trinidad de Parana historical site
stop by the Palacio de los Lopez

Peru

take a boat trip down the Amazon River
trek the Inca Trail
watch sunrise at Machu Picchu
visit the historic centre of Cusco
take in the view from Huayna Picchu
explore the Sacsayhuaman ruins
visit the Monasterio de Santa Catalina
explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas
hike through Huascarán National Park
explore the desert village of Huacachina
take in the views of Puno
unwind in the mountain village of Arequipa

South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands

hang out with the king penguins

Suriname

visit the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral in Paramaribo
explore the UNESCO site of Jodensavanne

Uruguay

walk through the Barrio Historico in Sacramento
visit La Calle de los Suspiros
hang out in Montevideo's Plaza Independencia
spot La Mano de Punta del Este
roam the island of Gorriti

Venezuela

visit Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall
conquer the summit of Mount Roirama
swim at Cayo de Agua
experience lightning in Lake Maracaibo
explore Canaima National Park
visit Los Roques Archipegalo National Park
explore the Coro Sand Dunes
roam Margarita Island
go hiking in El Avila National Park

ASIA and MIDDLE EAST

Afghanistan

visit the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
swim in the lake of the Band-e-Amir National Park

Azerbaijan

swim in the Caspian Sea

Bahrain

explore the ruins of Qal'at al-Bahrain
visit the Bahrain National Museum
wander the 15-century Arad Fort

Bangladesh

spend a day on St. Martin's Island
explore the ancient Lalbagh Fort
visit the bright pink Ahsan Manzil palace

Brunei

visit the grand Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
stay in the eco-friendly resort of Ulu Ulu National Park

Bhutan

visit the Paro Takstang Monastery on the cliffside of Paro Valley
visit Tiger's Nest Monastery
view the archer masters in Thimphu

Cambodia

walk around Angkor Wat
see the waterfalls of Phnom Kulen National Park

China

walk along the Great Wall
visit Tiananmen Square
explore Lama Temple in Beijing
explore the peaceful Zhongdian
learn Tai Chi in Beijing
join a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash

East Timor

sleep in a beachside hut on Atauro Island
hike Tatamailau

Hong Kong

wander down Temple Street Night Market
visit Ng Tung Chai Waterfall
hike up Kowloon Peak to Suicide Cliff
watch sunset from Braemar Hill
hike Sharp Peak
complete the Victoria Peak Circle Walk
hike up to Lion Rock
take in the view from High Junk Peak

India

visit the Taj Mahal
watch the sunrise over the Ganges
attend the Holi Festival
visit the Begnal Tiger refuge Ranthambore National Park
take the Shivalik Express Train
explore the Khajuraho Temples of Madhya Pradesh
spot the Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayas in Rishikesh
feel the spirit of Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya
visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar
explore Jaisalmer fort
visit the sacred Varanasi
go hiking in the Zanskar mountain range
camp at Pangong Tso Lake
visit Lamayuru Monastery
trek to the Drang Drung Glacier
drive the Khardung La Pass

Iraq

visit the Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Iran

explore the lavish Chehel Sotoun palace
visit Golestan Palace
spot the colossal royal tombs of Naqsh-e Rustam
wander the Fin Garden
catch the reflection of Si-o-se-pol Bridge over the Zayandeh River
take in the view from the top of Iran's tallest tower, Milad
spend time at Shah Mosque

Israel

visit the Old City of Jerusalem

Japan

visit Mount Fuji
walk through the Wisteria Flower Tunnel
spot the coral of Iriomote-Jima
spot the cherry blossoms
experience energetic Shinjuku
go hiking in Kumano Kodo
visit Kyoto to learn calligraphy

Jordan

float in the Dead Sea
wander around the old city of Petra

Kazakhstan

go skiing at Shymbulak
take the cable car at Kok Tobe
go hiking through the alpine meadows of Ile-Alatau National Park
explore the red rocks of Charyn National Park

Kuwait

go to the top of the glittering blue Kuwait Towers
tour the Grand Mosque

Kyrgyzstan

travel along the ancient Silk Road

Laos

visit the temples of Vientiane

Lebanon

see the rare Lebanese cedar trees in Cedars of God Forest
explore the Temple of Bacchus, god of wine
hang out in Beirut
go hiking through the gorges of the Kadisha Valley

Macau

bungee jump the highest jump in the world

Malaysia

visit the orangutans of Borneo
spot the iconic Peronas Towers
hike Mount Kinabalu
go snorkleing in the Perhentian Islands
visit the Batu Caves

Maldives

see the glowing blue tide at the Vaadhoo Island Sea of Stars

Mongolia

travel on the Trans-Mongolian Highway
ride a camel at Khongoryn Els

Myanmar

cross the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world
visit the Intha people of Inle Lake
see the stupas at Inthein
visit Bagan

Nepal

reach Mount Everest Base Camp
visit Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace
explore the temples of Patan
visit Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu
hike the Annapurna Circuit

North Korea

take a tour of this fascinating and secretive country

Oman

visit the sand dunes of the Empty Quarter
explore Wadi Ghul

Pakistan

visit Fairy Meadows at the base of Nanga Parbat

Palestine

visit the stunning desert palace of Hisham's Palace
explore the Monastery of the Temptation
wander the Garden of Gethsemane

Philippines

take a boat trip down the Puerto Princesa Sunterranean River
swim in the waters of Borocay
explore El Nido
visit Malapscua Island in Cebu

Qatar

shop in the ancient outdoor market Souq Waqif
explore the Villaggio Mall
walk the Corniche
check out the artificial islands

Saudi Arabia

visit Mecca

Singapore

explore Sentosa
check out the super trees of Gardens by the Bay
swim in the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands

South Korea

tour Gyeongbokgung palace
wander the bustling shopping street of Myeong-dong
walk through the Bukchon Hanok 14th century village

Syria

explore Umayyad Mosque
visit Krak des Chevaliers
check out the ruins of Temple of Bel

Taiwan

attend the Taiwan Lantern Festival
walk through Jiufen Old Street
take in the view from Lion's Head Mountain
explore Qingshui Cliff in Taroko National Park
hike to the summit of Yushan
take a boat through Sicao Green Tunnel

Tajikistan

climb Lenin Peak
go hiking in the Fann Mountains
photograph the beautiful Sarez Lake
drive the Ak-Baital Pass

Thailand

explore Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat
look around the Amphawa Floating Market
explore Chiang Mai

Tibet

visit the remote and mysterious Tibet
go hiking in the Tibetan Plateau
BOOKS TO READ: 9 Months in Tibet

Turkmenistan

see the Darvaza gas crater or the 'Gates of Hell' burning in Derweze
explore the archaeological site at Gonur Tepe

United Arab Emirates

go to the top of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai
visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Uzbekistan

travel along the Silk Road
visit Samarkand, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia

Vietnam

explore Ho Chi Minh by scooter
swim in Halong Bay
hike through the Sapa hills
climb to the top of Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep Temple

Yemen

visit Dar al-Hajar palace
explore the Sira Fortress
see the massive Cisterns of Tawila

OCEANIA

American Samoa

hike the Tuafanua Trail of the Eastern District
take in the view of Pola Island from the Pola Island Trail
enjoy the views over the tropical rain forests from the top of Tumu Mountain

Antarctica

see wild penguins
visit the South Pole

French Polynesia

swim with sting rays in Bora Bora
watch the Tiarei Araho Blow Hole in Tahiti
swim in the Bora Bora Lagoon
go hiking on Mo'orea
spot sharks off of Rangiroa
snorkel Rurutu
explore the waterfalls of Nuku Hiva

Guam

climb Mount Lamlam, technically the tallest mountain in the world

Kiribati

explore Tarawa

Marshall Islands

relax on the beaches of Amo Atoll

Micronesia

explore the ruins of Nan Madol

Nauru

take in the view of the entire country from the top of Command Ridge

Wallis and Futunua

take in the view of the perfectly circular natural Lake Lalolalo
swim in the crater Lake Lanutavake

AFRICA

Algeria

wander the gardens at Jardin d'Essai du Hamma
visit the grand Notre-Dame d'Afrique
hike Mount Tahat
explore the ruins of Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania
head to the mountaintop Fort of Santa Cruz
go hiking in Djurdjura National Park
explore the coastal Gouraya National Park
learn about the Madghacen Mausoleum
tour the 10 national parks of this northern country
explore the ruins of Al Qal'a of Beni Hammad
visit the mountainous village of Djemila
tour the limestone M'Zab Valley
spot the historic drawings in Tassili n'Ajjer
wander through Timgad
explore the ruins of Tipasa
walk through the winding alleys of the Kasbah of Algiers

Angola

hike up to Kalandula Falls, the second largest waterfall in Africa

Benin

visit the Royal Palaces of Abomey
spot elephants in W National Park
walk through the Door of No Return

Botswana

go on safari in Okavango Delta
spot elephants in Chobe National Park
explore Kubu Island
check out the rock art at Tsodilo
go hiking in the Tswapong Hills

Burkina Faso

spot swimming hippos in Lake Tengrela

Burundi

go on a walking tour of Kabira National Park and see chimpanzees up close

Cameroon

go hiking on Mount Cameroon
spot wild giraffes in Waza National Park
see the volcanic lake of Mount Manengouba

Cape Verde

go swimming in the Pedra de Lume salt lake
spot turtles in Boa Vista
explore the clifftop fortress of Forte Real de Sao Felipe

Central African Republic

admire the architecture in Bangui

Chad

see wild lions in Zakouma National Park
visit the most famous guelta in the Sahara, Guelta d'Archei

Comoros

go hiking on the active volcano Mount Karthala

Congo

see the active volcano Mount Nyiragongo

Democratic Republic of the Congo

go on safari in Africa's oldest national Park at Virguna, home to a quarter of the world's mountain gorillas

Djibouti

swim in Lake Assal
go snorkeling on Moucha Island
wander the sand flats of Grand Bara

Egypt

watch the sunrise at the Pyramids of Giza
camp under the stars in the White Desert
explore the Sultan Qalawun Mosque in Old Cairo
wave to the Great Sphinx of Giza
enter the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens
explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
visit the Cairo Citadel
learn the history of the Royal Library of Alexandria

Equatorial Guinea

watch turtles hatch on southern Ureca Beach

Eritrea

go snorkeling in the Dahlak Archipegalo

Ethiopia

watch the Blue Nile Falls thunder down into the Blue Nile River
swim in the hot springs of Dallol
visit the observatory at the top of Mount Entoto
explore the rock-cut churches of Lalibela

Gabon

explore the Fernan Vaz Lagoon and its church, the Mission Saint Anne

Gambia

wave to a crocodile in the Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool
experience a Moroccan Hammam at the Coco Spa

Ghana

visit the museum at Cape Coast Castle
explore the dutch Fort Batenstein

Guinea

explore the highland region of Fouta Djallon

Guinea-Bissau

watch the sea turtles of Joao Vieira

Ivory Coast

have a stroll in Jardin botanique de Bingerville
stop in at Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, large enough to hold 18,000

Kenya

spot flamingos in Lake Nakuru
go on safari in Nairobi National Park
explore Hell''s Gate National Park
visit Mount Kenya National Park

Lesotho

feel the spray of the 192-metre Maletsunyane Falls
hike Thabana Ntlenyana
explore the Kome Cave Dwellings
drive the Sani Pass
visit Katse Dam

Liberia

wander the savannah reserve of Mount Nimba

Libya

admire the stunning Gurgi Mosque
explore the capital of Tripoli

Madagascar

walk down the Avenue of the Baobabs
go hiking in the unique landscapes

Malawi

explore the Shire Highlands

Mali

explore the legendary city of Timbuktu

Mauritania

visit the 'Eye of Africa' or Richat Structure in the Sahara
explore the oasis of Terjit
spot the world's third largest monolith Ben Amera

Mauritius

walk through the inland sugarcane fields
take in the views of Chamarel

Mayotte

hike Mont Choungui

Morocco

stroll through the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen
wander through the Marrakech Markets
visit the Vallee des Roses
explore Fes

Mozambique

explore the old Portuguese trading counter, the Island of Mozambique
go island-hopping through the Bazaruto Archipelago
go diving with whale sharks

Namibia

wander the iconic red dunes in Sossusvlei
cross the dead marsh Dead Vlei
experience the incredible Wind Cathedral
visit Dune 7, the highest in Namibia
explore the Brandberg Mountains
spend a night at the White Lady Lodge
visit Nauklauft National Park
see the stars from Spitz Koppe

Niger

visit the Agadez Mosque made of clay
explore the Grand Mosque of Niamey

Nigeria

spot the face in Zuma Rock
swim in Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls
visit the Abuja National Mosque

Réunion

hike the active volcano Pitn de la Fournaise
take in the views from Maïdo
trek the mountain pass of Pas de Bellecombe
gasp at the waterfalls of Troue de Fer

Rwanda

visit the golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park
wander the treetop walkway of Nyungwe Forest

Saint Helena

walk up Jacob's Ladder

São Tomé and Príncipe

swim off the island of Ilhéu das Rolas
hike Pico de São Tomé
explore the island of Ilhéu Bom Bom

Senegal

swim in Lake Retba that appears bright pink due to high salt content

Seychelles

go snorkeling at Anse Lazio
visit the giant tortoises of Curieuse Island
wander the palms of Vallée de Mai
stay on Ste. Anne Island
explore the idyllic North Island

Sierra Leone

dive the offshore shipwrecks of Banana Island

Somalia

see wild zebras in Lag Badana National Park
hike Mount Shimbiris

Somaliland

see the Laas Geel cave paintings
visit the port town of Berbera

South Africa

go on a safari in the Kruger National Park to see the Big 5
go sky-diving
visit Robben Island, the site of Mandela's imprisonment
take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain
hike Lion's Head
explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens of Cape Town
drive through the Namaqualand Flower Route
hike through Jonkershoe Nature Reserve
go hiking in Stellenbosch

South Sudan

hike the Imatong Mountains
explore Juba

Sudan

visit the mountain of Jebel Barkal
head to Tuti Island where the White Nile and Blue Nile merge to form the Nile River
explore the archaeological site of Tombos

Swaziland

climb Sibebe Rock, the 2nd largest exposed granite dome in the world
witness traditional song and dance in the Shewula Mountain Camp
explore Mantenga Cultural Village

Tanzania

climb Mount Kilimanjaro
spot wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater
visit the chimps in Gombe Stream National Park
view the annual migration in Serengeti
experience the red waters of Lake Natron

Togo

explore the UNESCO site of Koutammakou

Tunisia

visit the incredible Great Mosque of Kairouan
explore the ruins of Byrsa
appreciate the architecture of Ribat of Monastir
wander around the Lake of Tunis

Uganda

visit the source of the Nile in the town of Jinja

Western Sahara

spend the night in the Sahara Desert

Zambia

see Victoria Falls, the world's largest waterfall

Zanzibar

visit the House of Wonders
explore the Old Fort of Zanzibar

Zimbabwe

swim in Devil's Pool above Victoria Falls