DON’T GO ANOTHER DECADE WITHOUT SEEING THESE AMAZING PLACES
If you don’t have a travel bucket list, then it’s time to start building one. Life is short and the world is big, so why not plot out all the incredible destinations you’d love to see before you run out of time? We’ve compiled our top spots to visit before you turn 40, 50 and 60. That way, by the time you reach the years beyond those milestones, you’ll have made memories that last a lifetime. Grab your passport and get ready for an adventure!
BY 40: AUSTRALIA’S GREAT BARRIER REEF
Not only is Australia’s Great Barrier Reef the world’s largest coral reef, teeming with marine diversity unlike anything you’ll ever see in the world, it’s also at risk of dying. That means a trip to see the nearly 1,430 miles of majestic coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, scenic islands and more is one you should take sooner rather than later.
BY 40: JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CALIFORNIA
Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is the place people go to truly get away from it all. It’s a rough and wild desert with immense natural beauty, including those very peculiar Joshua trees. Visitors need to hike with their own water, food, shelter (if they plan on staying the night) and first aid. The payoff for such a journey? Seeing some of the most ancient desert wildlife, incredible rock formations and the sight of millions of stars in an unbelievably clear night sky.
BY 40: ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA
This 400-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia is home to numerous ancient temples, including the most expansive, Angkor Wat, which was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and later converted to a Buddhist temple. Visitors can tap into all their “Indiana Jones” fantasies while marveling at the ancient city in ruins, deep in the Cambodian jungle.
BY 40: THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
The Great Wall of China is known as one of the most massive architectural feats in the world, spanning more than 13,000 miles (according to estimates from 2012) and taking more than two millennia to build. Legend holds that more than 400,000 people died during the construction of the wall and were buried inside, making the wall both a fascinating relic of the past and a monument of the great sacrifices made to complete it.
BY 40: HAVASU FALLS, ARIZONA
The intense eight-mile hike it takes to get to Havasu Falls in Arizona’s Havasupai reservation (in the Grand Canyon) makes it a wonder only accessible to those who are physically up to the challenge. Of course, you could always travel by helicopter or horseback, but part of the thrill of this mesmerizing crystalline waterfall is arriving hot and tired, ready for a refreshing swim.
BY 40: THE TAJ MAHAL, INDIA
Built over a period of 17 years by order of Emperor Shah Jahan is the Taj Mahal—a white marble mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true world wonder, radiantly standing in the sun and glowing with the light of the moon. As one of the most famous tourist destinations in India, it’s worth noting that the best time to see this magnificent structure is from October through March, when temperatures are cooler.
BY 40: JEMAA EL-FNA MARKET IN MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Known as a “souk” (market), Morocco’s Jeema el-Fna holds some of the most unique and beautiful treasures you’ll ever find. Visit vendors selling fresh spices, homemade crafts, luxurious rugs, beautiful scarves and more, then stop at one of the many street food stalls to taste tantalizing Moroccan specialties like “khobz” (crusty bread) and “brochettes” (mini chicken kebabs). Want to travel the souk like a pro? Rent a rickshaw (motorized or bicycle-powered taxi) to navigate the endless walkways and alleys.
BY 40: MACHU PICCHU, PERU
The majestic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu are located high in the Andes mountains of Peru and worth the lengthy journey to get there. If you’re fit, there’s a four-day, three-night hike along the Inca Trail, but it’s restricted to approved groups on sanctioned tours (meaning no solo hiking, sorry). For the rest of us, there’s a train going directly to the site via three different cities: Aguas Calientes, Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Once there, marvel at the wonder of this 15th century Incan citadel.
BY 50: TOKYO’S TSUKIJI MARKET
Known as the largest fish market in the world (with a very famous tuna auction in the early hours of dawn), Tsukiji Market is a must-see for hungry travelers headed to Tokyo. Head through the main gate off Shin-ohashi Street to access the fruit and vegetable market as well as numerous (delicious) sushi counters where you can have a famous sushi breakfast. Just come early! The freshest fish and liveliest stalls all open before 6 a.m.
BY 50: EASTER ISLAND
Located off the coast of Chile in Polynesia, Easter Island (also known as Rapa Nui) is one of the youngest inhabited islands in the world. Although they’re famous for their more than 1,000 mysterious moai statues (believed to have been built between 1400 and 1500), this island paradise also boasts gorgeous unsullied beaches, volcanic craters, fresh seafood and a fascinating history and culture.
BY 50: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
This lively, historic city on the Danube boasts more than 1,000 hot springs, a UNESCO World Heritage site (check out Buda Castle) and is one of the cheapest locales in Europe (making it a backpacker’s dream destination). Explore ruins and relics from the past while enjoying Budapest’s hip nightlife and amazing food culture.
BY 50: PARIS, FRANCE
Paris is a must-see for more reason than one. Along with world-famous pastries and cuisine, Paris is home to sites like the Louvre—the world’s largest art museum where famous works like Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and the ancient Babylonian code known as the Code of Hammurabi are on display. Also in Paris: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Arc de Triomphe, to name a few.
BY 50: NEW YORK, NEW YORK
A travel bucket list isn’t complete without a trip to New York City, one of the most famous cities in America. Hosting five boroughs that include the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens, New York City is a mecca of diversity, art, talent and industry. Along with some of the top restaurants in the country, the city also features one of the most romanticized beauties of nature, Central Park, which was designed in 1857 as an urban escape.
BY 50: FRENCH POLYNESIA
French Polynesia (FP), which includes the Society Island group of Tahiti, Raiatea, Huahine, Moorea, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Bora Bora (seen here) and more, offers some of the most pristine emerald beaches in the world. From the fresh local food (which includes lots of tropical fruits, creamy coconut, fresh-caught seafood and other delights) to the beautiful expressions of cultural heritage of the native peoples, a trip to FP is one of the most memorable travel destinations.
BY 50: STONEHENGE, ENGLAND
Built between the Neolithic and Bronze Age, this mysterious monument is less than two hours from London in the small town of Salisbury. While there are many theories about how Stonehenge came to be, the most prevalent (and current) belief is that the site was an ancient burial ground. Whatever the case, it’s a testament to history and our love for mysteries that keep Stonehenge on all of our bucket lists.
BY 50: ITALY’S AMALFI COAST
The Amalfi Coast in Italy is one of the most romantic villages by the sea you’ll find in the Mediterranean. Visit its historic Villa Cimbrone gardens, tour the magnificent cathedrals at Duomo di Sant’Andrea and Duomo di Salerno, or take in the stunning cliff-top views at Villa Rufolo. Of course, since it’s Italy, there’s also all kinds of mouth-watering foods to try, like pizza with fresh buffalo mozzarella and luscious local olive oil.
BY 60: BERLIN, GERMANY
For travelers who wish to honor the past and enjoy a taste of the present, Berlin has it all. Visit the remaining sections of the Berlin Wall that once divided the city’s East and West, pay tribute to victims of the holocaust at the numerous landmarks and museums and visit the Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class markets and (of course) the city’s legendary beer gardens.
BY 60: THE GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
The Grand Canyon is located in Northeastern Arizona and is quite a sight to behold. The scenic valley was carved by the Colorado River some 5 million years ago, creating mile-deep canyons that twist and turn in a colorful, wondrous display. It’s one of the Earth’s natural wonders and is open year round, meaning it’s a must-see destination for travelers, especially those in the U.S.
BY 60: SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
There’s so much to see in San Francisco. Just some of the attractions include the Painted Ladies (a row of brightly painted Victorian homes also known as “Postcard Row”), the tourist-friendly Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz and one of the nation’s most lively Chinatowns, off Union Square—plus hundreds of gourmet restaurants, gorgeous parks, beaches and art districts—making San Francisco a city you’ll return to again and again.
BY 60: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland, and yes, it’s cold. The average summer temp is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but there’s so much to keep you busy, you’ll hardly have time to feel the chill. Along with their vibrant shopping centers in the heart of the city, Reykjavik (which means “smokey bay”) has numerous famous swimming pools, theaters, music halls and restaurants featuring their local cuisine (like their famous Kjötsúpa, a hearty traditional lamb soup).
BY 60: THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
Hawaii is a chain of eight main islands: Hawaii (the big island), Maui, Oahu, Lanai, Kauai, Molokai, Niihau (the “forbidden island”) and the uninhabited Kahoolawe. The reason these tropical island paradises are so popular is because of their unmatched beauty, hospitality and recreational activities. Whether you want to sip Mai Tais, watch a hula dance, eat world-famous kalua pork or hang 10 at the beach, Hawaii has it all.
BY 60: LONDON, ENGLAND
Not only does London house the longest-reigning monarch in British history (thanks to Queen Elizabeth II) but it also has some of the most iconic tourist spots in Europe. Visit Big Ben (the large clock tower on the North end of Westminster Palace), tour Buckingham Palace (only available in the summer), take in a show in the West End, indulge in a pint at one of the many pubs, and enjoy learning about the empire that once ruled vast lands across the world.
BY 60: SANTORINI, GREECE
Yes, Santorini in the Greek Isles is one of the most tourist-infested travel destinations ever, but there’s a reason. The island is absolutely beautiful. Offering travelers crystal blue water, gleaming white buildings overlooking the sea, historic relics like the ruins at the Minoan site of Akrotiri and some of the best wine in the world, it’s easy to get swept up in the magic of this ancient volcanic village.
BY 60: WASHINGTON, D.C.
Politics aside, Washington, D.C. is one of the coolest places to see in the Eastern U.S. From the historic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Washington Monument, to the dazzling nightlife in Georgetown and the Adams Morgan neighborhood, there is no end to the fun you can have in the nation’s capital. In the spring, D.C. hosts the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival, when delicate pink and white cherry blossoms lining the streets are in full bloom.
BY 60: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Actually, Yellowstone National Park is a good place for travelers to see at any age. Did you know this historic natural preserve was the first national park in the U.S. and the world? The park, which spans mostly in Wyoming and into Montana and Idaho, hosts a wide variety of natural wonders, like the geothermal prismatic pools (which can kill humans, so don’t swim in them!), lakes, hot springs, geysers and forests, making it a truly special place for every traveler to behold.
