Not all travel regrets are about missing planes or losing baggage. People wish they had done it sooner like ascending the Andes, sailing through Alaska’s frigid fjords or watching the sun rise over an ancient wonder in the desert. People say that bucket list excursions are “once-in-a-lifetime” trips for a reason. You might miss out on their magic if you put them off.
We’ll talk about bucket list places that tourists wish they had gone to sooner in this article. These places will always be with you whether you go on crazy adventures or see amazing cultural sites. The sooner you go the more they will seem like home.
1. Patagonia
One of the most gorgeous places on Earth is Patagonia. There are gigantic granite peaks, turquoise lakes and glaciers that go on for miles at the southern tip of South America.
- Hiking to Torres del Paine or Los Glaciares takes a lot of energy and waiting too long makes it harder.
- Climate change is making the notable glaciers in the area such as Perito Moreno but smaller.
- One of the best things to do is hike to the Torres del Paine towers.
- Hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier
- Seeing animals like guanacos, condors and pumas
- Taking a boat to Cape Horn
2. Petra, Jordan, the “City of Roses”
The rose-colored rocks that Petra is built into make it feel like you’re in a different world. You’ll never forget the moment you pass into the Siq canyon and glimpse the Treasury.
- The heat in the desert may be taxing on humans. Younger travelers generally find the long hikes easier.
- Sometimes, it’s hard to go to the area because of political instability so it’s important to go when you can.
- The Treasury at dawn is a great thing to see.
- Going up to the Monastery (Ad Deir)
- Taking camels through Wadi Musa
- Candlelit tours at night
3. The Wild Canadian Rockies in Banff and Jasper, Canada
Imagine lakes that are bright green, mountains that are covered in snow and pine trees that seem to go on forever. North America has some of the most stunning wild places in Banff and Jasper National Parks.
- Glaciers like Athabasca are melting rapidly.
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are must visits.
- Tours of the Athabasca Glacier
- You should only drive along the Icefields Parkway if you are someone who can withstand long rides and hikes.
- Take a drive on the Icefields Parkway
- Canoeing in the Rocky Mountains
4. Cappadocia, Turkey
- A hot-air balloon ride at dawn is the finest way to see Cappadocia’s unusual cone-shaped rock formations.
- The balloon rides are the most magical thing but they sell out months in advance. A lot of the time waiting means missing out.
- When you’re energetic it’s easier to climb through the valleys and cities below ground.
- One of the pleasant things to do is to ride in a hot air balloon at sunrise.
- Göreme’s Open Air Museum
- Going to cities like Derinkuyu that are underground
- Hikes in Rose Valley at dusk
5. The Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are home to wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else such as marine iguanas, giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. It’s nature at its most simplest form.
Best Things to do:
- Tourism and climate change are putting more and more stress on the islands’ ecosystems which are already fragile.
- Snorkeling with sea lions.
- Tortoises that are big in the highlands
- Lava fields on the island of Española
- Kayaking in bays that are as transparent as glass
- You should snorkel and dive here when you’re up for an adventure.
6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive cities in Europe because of its medieval fortifications, red-tiled roofs, and Adriatic waves.
- After “Game of Thrones” started filming there tourists increased making it busier and more expensive every year.
- Younger travelers have a better time climbing the steep city walls.
- One of the best things to do in Dubrovnik is to walk along the city walls.
- Strolling along the cobbled alleyways of Old Town
- Island-hopping to Lokrum
- Sunset views from Mount Srđ
7. Alaska, USA
Alaska is wild and rough, with massive glaciers, bald eagles, whales that come up for air and mountains that seem to go on forever.
- A lot of folks wish they had gone on an Alaskan cruise or hiked Denali earlier in life. Glaciers are melting faster than ever before.
- When you have the energy to go trekking and on travels you can see more animals.
- The best bits are the Glacier Bay cruises.
- Places that are must see: Denali National Park, Whales in Juneau and The Northern Lights are in Fairbanks.
8. Morocco’s Sahara Desert
Camping in the Sahara under the stars is something you’ll never forget. The sweeping dunes and total silence create a magnificent atmosphere.
- It can be challenging on the body to go on camel treks that last more than one day and many individuals wish they had done them sooner.
- Desert tourism is developing swiftly which makes the experience less real.
- Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi sands
- Spending the night in a Berber desert camp
- Seeing the stars without any light pollution
- Sunrise over the golden sands.
9. The Highlands and Isle of Skye in Scotland
It seems like Scotland is a location where stories come to life. There are castle ruins, foggy lochs and jagged mountains. The best areas are the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.
- You should only go to the wild places if you’re willing to drive and hike for a long time.
- It’s a good idea to be able to travel when you’re young and adaptable because the weather can change quickly.
- You have to see the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, The Glencoe Valley and Eilean Donan Castle at night
10. Antarctica
There is no other place like the White Continent. There are icebergs as big as skyscrapers, groups of penguins and no noise at all.
- You should only go on a cruise to Antarctica when you’re ready for the adventure because they are costly and hard on the body.
- Climate change is making the area’s landscape change rapidly.
- One of the best things to do is ride a Zodiac through icebergs, going to see penguin nests, Crossing the Drake Passage and Kayaking in the waters of Antarctica
People who travel too much say they’ll go “someday.” But there is no way to know when that day will come. Patagonia’s glaciers and Petra’s ruins are two examples of sites that remind us how fleeting life is and how large the globe is.
People don’t regret the money they spent or the blunders they made on the road; they regret the journeys they never took. Don’t let these once-in-a-lifetime chances pass you by. You shouldn’t just write down your bucket list; you should do it.