Must-Visit Travel Destinations for Every Explorer's Bucket List

There are limitless travel description around the world indeed the globe is very large. This article is about must visit travel destinations based on types of explorers.

1. Destination for Adventure Seekers : Thrill-seekers who crave adrenaline, seeking activities like hiking, bungee jumping, and extreme sports.

• Australia - With more than 30,000 miles of spectacular coastline, Down Under is ripe with adventure opportunities—most notably in the Outback and a little place called the Great Barrier Reef.

Adventures to try:

1. Scuba diving off Lady Elliot Island
2. Hiking through Tasmania's Bay of Fires
3. Swimming under waterfalls in The Kimberley

• Argentina - Snow-topped mountain peaks. Turquoise lakes. Wild tundra, treeless plains, and sprawling ice fields. If you’re an adventurer looking for a country with a seemingly endless rotation of landscapes, Argentina may be your best bet.

Adventures to try:

1. Fly-fishing in Patagonia
2. Riding horses on estancias
3. Learning to ski on private island.

• Costa Rica - Though Costa Rica is just 19,730 square miles (roughly the size of West Virginia), a quarter of its land is protected jungle. When you’re not hot-air ballooning over, zip lining through, or climbing in that very jungle, simply point in any direction to find a new adventure in a new landscape.

Adventures to try :

1. Horseback riding on the beach
2. Stand-up paddleboarding your way around Lake Arenal
3. Rushing the rapids of Pacuare.

• New Zealand - Name a landscape, and New Zealand most likely has it within its California-sized borders (though it has 34 million fewer people than the Golden State). Kiwis in the Traveler office say the country has every adventure you can think of—and then some—and we’re inclined to believe them.

Adventures to try:

1. Caving in Waitomo
2. Rafting rivers on the North Island
3. Bungee jumping in Queensland.

• Portugal - An archipelago some 850 miles off of Portugal’s coast, the nine islands play host to some of the world’s best whale watching, lay claim to Portugal’s tallest mountain, and have volcanoes and crater lakes galore.

Adventures to try:

1. Paddling down the Sabor and Tua rivers
2. Surfing off of Guincho Beach
3. Horseback riding through Alentejo, one of the world's burgeoning wine regions.

Destination for Cultural Explorers:

1. Ancient Kyoto, Japan

It is over 150 years since Japan’s capital began to shift to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), but Kyoto – its imperial capital for over 1,000 years – remains the country’s cultural and spiritual heart.

Best of Kyoto:

• The golden tiers of Kinkaku-ji
• The Zen garden of Ryoan-ji
• The towering pagoda of To-ji, Japan’s tallest.
• Spring visitors should head for the serene Ninna-ji, renowned for its late-blooming cherry trees
• The autumn colours are especially spectacular at the mountain-tucked Tenryu-ji.

2. Lalibela, Ethiopia

The medieval rock-hewn churches of this ‘New Jerusalem’ in the highlands of Ethiopia were among the first 12 sites designated by UNESCO in 1978 – a nod to their splendour.

With the help of angels (allegedly), these sunken chapels were chiselled from monolithic blocks, with windows, floors, doors and decoration subsequently carved in.

Colonnaded Bet Medhane Alem, the biggest, is more than 11.5m high; some are only accessible via tunnels or ropes. Despite its age, Lalibela remains a place of devotion, alive with pilgrims, swirling incense and hypnotic chants. It’s like stepping back 900 years.

3. Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia

the impressive, forest-cloaked complex of Sambor Prei Kuk comprises over 100 temples yet sees precious few visitors.

Predating Angkor, this archaeological site on the eastern bank of Tonle Sap lake was once capital of the Chenla Empire, which thrived in the late sixth and early seventh centuries, and helped inspire the Khmer-style architecture.

4. Robben Island, South Africa

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in the Eastern Cape village of Mvezo on 18 July 1918 but spent 18 years, from 1964 to 1982, incarcerated on this small outcrop just off Cape Town.

Robben Island is now a living museum, where a former prisoner-turned-guide will take you on a tour. Visit the old leper graveyard, the African penguin colony, the lime quarry where Mandela and the other inmates were forced to toil, and the Maximum Security Prison, where you can walk the corridors, ascend the watchtowers and finish your explorations at Mandela’s two-metre by three-metre cell.

5.Rajasthan hill forts, India

The Rajput princes knew how to live. These rulers, who flourished in northern India from the eighth to the 18th centuries, built some truly magnificent fortresses.

Jaipur’s Amer Fort (pictured), desert-flung Jaisalmer Fort and Sawai Madhopur, which sits within tiger-prowled Ranthambhore National Park, are well-known on the tourist circuit. Lesser-visited are the riverside Gagron Fort, in the Jhalawar district, and Kumbhalgarh, near Udaipur, which has walls measuring 38km long.

Top pick, though, has to be the majestic Mewar fortress of Chittorgarh, an enormous clifftop cluster of gates, palaces, towers and temples comprising the country’s biggest walled complex.

6. Skellig Michael, Republic of Ireland

Clinging onto a scatter of pyramidal rocks off the Irish coast, this Gaelic Christian monastic settlement is thought to have been founded in the sixth century.

Monks lived precipitously, moving between the hermitage, beehive-shaped huts and the man-made terraces via steep stone steps.

These remote islands was abandoned in the late 12th century, but soon became a pilgrimage site, first for Catholics, then for movie-lovers when it played the home of Luke Skywalker in the recent Star Wars films.

Destinations for Nature enthusiasts

1. Banff National Park, Canada:

Famous for its pristine glacial lakes, rugged mountain landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Activities include hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.

Some of the most popular Banff National Park attractions include the Banff Gondola, Mount Norquay Chairlift, Sunshine Gondola, Lake Louise Gondola & Chairlift. Don't miss your chance to visit the Columbia Icefield and skywalk. Get the opportunity to walk onto an actual glacier!

2. Yellowstone National Park, USA:

America's first national park, known for its geothermal features, wildlife (including bison and wolves), and the iconic Old Faithful geyser.

3.Amazon Rainforest, Brazil and Peru:

Home to unparalleled biodiversity, with vast expanses of tropical rainforest. Perfect for wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and exploring the Amazon River.

4.The Serengeti, Tanzania:

Famous for the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras. Offers superb opportunities for safari experiences, with diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.

5.Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia:

Home to diverse ecosystems, including lush rainforests and unique wildlife like orangutans. Offers opportunities for jungle treks and river cruises.

Destinations for Digital Nomads

1.Chiang Mai, Thailand:

A favorite among digital nomads for its affordability, vibrant street food scene, and a range of coworking spaces. The city has a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful temples.

2. Hanoi, Vietnam:

With its rich history, delicious street food, and low living costs, Hanoi is an appealing destination for digital nomads. It has a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

3.Tbilisi, Georgia:

Known for its friendly locals, unique architecture, and low living costs, Tbilisi is an emerging destination for digital nomads seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

4.Barcelona, Spain:

A vibrant city with a Mediterranean climate, Barcelona attracts digital nomads with its cultural richness, delicious cuisine, and a variety of coworking spaces.

5.Tallinn, Estonia:

Estonia's capital is a digital pioneer, with a well-established e-residency program and a tech-savvy atmosphere. It provides a unique blend of history and modernity.

Destination for Solo Travelers

1. Iceland:

Safe and easy to navigate with a small population.

Breathtaking landscapes, hot springs, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.

2. Netherlands:

Amsterdam is known for its solo-friendly atmosphere, efficient public transport, and English-speaking locals.

Bike-friendly cities and a rich cultural scene.

3. Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark):

High safety standards, efficient public transportation, and welcoming locals.

Stunning landscapes, modern cities, and a strong emphasis on design and culture.

4. Scotland:

Safe and known for its friendly locals.

Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands provide a mix of history, nature, and cultural experiences.

5. South Korea:

Safe, with a well-developed public transport system.

Seoul offers a mix of modernity and tradition, with vibrant street food scenes.

Destinations for Retirees/Slow Travelers:

Embrace a more relaxed pace of travel, spending extended periods in one location to fully immerse themselves in the local lifestyle.

1. Cartagena, Colombia:

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cartagena's historic Old Town is filled with colorful colonial architecture, charming squares, and a vibrant culture that invites slow exploration.

2. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico:

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this colonial city is known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant art scene, and welcoming local community.

3. Algarve, Portugal:

The southern coast of Portugal, Algarve, is known for its stunning beaches, charming fishing villages, and a mild climate, making it an attractive destination for retirees.

4. Charleston, South Carolina, USA:

Steeped in history, Charleston boasts well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and a Southern charm that makes it an ideal destination for slow exploration.

5. Tuscany, Italy:

A region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages. Tuscany offers a leisurely lifestyle, exquisite cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage.