1. Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland is a city that prides itself on being different as shown by the giant ‘Keep Portland Weird’ on the side of a building downtown. This is a city that sits between mountains and rivers and is known for its cycling and craft beer culture as well as its eco friendliness.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a dream location to visit: endless natural beauty and clifftop views, pastel pink neighbourhoods and turquoise waters. What more could you ask for? Hike Table Mountain National Park, learn about the country’s history and see penguins up-close. Cape Town is also home to amazing wine and food, and we predict that the next decade will see plenty of exciting new additions to the city’s hospitality scene.
3. Whistler, Canada
Just two hours away from Vancouver lies this famous mountain hotspot. This top ranked destination ski resort draws skiers from all over the world. It’s popular for downhill and heli-skiing, with cross-country trails located close by. While Whistler has always been a top ski destination, it’s set to surge even further ahead in the new decade.
4. Masai Mara, Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya, and has a diverse population of resident game – including lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. Consider staying at Naibor, a luxury camp deep in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms are all throughout the forest.
5. Nuuk, Greenland
The environment, and protecting it, has moved from a fringe issue for many to become one of the most important factors in planning a trip. And, with the Arctic sea ice now declining at a rate of 12.8% per decade, it seems that travellers want to get a chance to visit before it’s gone.
6. Machu Picchu, Peru
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Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourism destinations in the world, and is a must-visit for any traveller exploring South America. The best way to get here? Arrive to Machu Picchu in style on the 360° Train that will bring you through the Peruvian countryside to the ‘lost city’. The wide, panoramic windows are perfect for soaking up the view, plus they serve Pisco Sours on board. When it comes to bucket list experiences, this is up there with the very best.
7. Bilbao, Spain
Last year, Bilbao won the title of the European City of the Year. And, it’s not hard to see why. From the iconic Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum to the numerous restaurants serving Basque-inspired cuisine, it’s recently evolved into one of the most culturally intriguing cities in Europe.
8. The Door to Hell, Turkmenistan
The Darvaza Crater, better known as the Door to Hell, is a natural gas crater that has been burning ever since Soviet geologists drilling for oil set it alight in 1971, in the hopes of burning off harmful methane gas. They certainly never expected it to still be a fiery pit some 50 years later, and the Door to Hell has now transformed Turkmenistan into a unique tourist destination.
9. Havana, Cuba
Tourism in Cuba has surged ever since it re-established its relationship with the American government in 2015. Cuba is also one of the most affordable beach vacations for travellers from North and South America. From the historical streets of Havana and the country’s rich cultural heritage to some of the most remarkable beaches in the Caribbean, you have to head to Cuba to enjoy this bucket list paradise for yourself.
10. Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
The magnificent Glacier Park is where you’ll find the beautiful Wild Goose island rising from the middle of the lake and surrounding mountains. Hike through the dramatic mountains and glacier-carved valleys and you’ll see why it’s one of the best places to visit this decade. But – and it’s a big ‘but’ – the glaciers are melting at an alarming rate.
11. Congo Basin, Africa
The ‘Green Heart of Africa’, the Congo Basin is one of the most important wilderness areas left on Earth. It spans across six countries—Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, and is home to 150 distinct ethnic groups and a diverse wildlife: forest elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos, and lowland and mountain gorillas.
12. Paris, France
One of the most iconic cities in the world, Paris tops the bucket list for many people. You’ll see so many famous landmarks here: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame cathedral… The list is never ending, so make the Roaring ’20s the decade you finally visit Paris.
13. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The wonderful country of Ecuador is famous for being home to the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands. These biodiverse islands are home to unusual animal life – such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch – that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835.
14. Beirut, Lebanon
Mirroring the underground club scene you might find in a city such as Berlin and mixing it with an undeniably rich cultural heritage, visitors are beginning to open their eyes to the wonderful travel opportunities in Lebanon. We’re pretty sure it’s also got something to do with the fantastic food, ancient treasures, and the fact that it was the destination of the first traveller recorded history, King Gilgamesh.
15. Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, USA
Prince of Wales Island is a vast, rugged island and is the perfect destination for adventurous visitors wanting to get off the beaten path. On the island’s southern half, you can watch salmon attempt to negotiate ladders at Cable Creek Fish Pass and Dog Salmon Fish Pass while hungry black bears stand watch.
16. Chicago, Illinois, USA
Chicago is known for being one of America’s most tourist-friendly cities. Whether you’re a Chicago native or simply spending a few days in the Windy City, you sure as heck won’t be bored. From tropical cocktail bars and world-famed architecture to outdoor concerts and the Cubs, there’s plenty to do here.
17. Maldives
Looking for paradise? You’ll find it in the Maldives. This tropical nation in the Indian Ocean is made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s home to some of the world’s most luxurious bucket list hotel resorts, with white sandy beaches, underwater villas and restaurants and bright blue waters.
18. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam – is known for its rich history, busy street life and centuries of French, Asian and Chinese influences all blended into one bustling city. You’ll soon see that this is a vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do. Plus, it’s a wonderful base from which to explore the North of Vietnam, including Halong Bay and Sapa, while also enjoying the comforts of a modern vibrant city.
19. Brighton, England
With its art scene, great nightlife and liberal feel, Brighton is a must-visit town which is only 30 minutes from London by train. It has a broad shingle beach which is backed by amusement arcades and which comes alive in the warmer months.
20. Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked nation bordered by China and Russia, known for vast, rugged expanses and nomadic culture. You can experience wide-open spaces, cobalt blue skies, forests, deserts, crystal clear rivers and lakes, while staying in traditional nomad camps. Growing infrastructure across this once-unexplored country means an increasing number of tourists, so go now while this beautiful place is still unspoiled.
21. Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Everglades National Park is only a one-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Miami, but a world away. The mysterious 1.5 million acres of swamplands has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the USA and is home to rare and endangered species such as manatee, alligator and the elusive Florida panther.
22. Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia
Koh Rong Samloem is a small tropical island in the Gulf of Siam, with picture perfect white sand beaches fringed by palm and casaurina trees. It’s still a peaceful destination that has a laidback vibe and is relatively untouched. The tourist masses have yet to descend, so visit before they do.
23. Bergen, Norway
Norway’s famous, Instagrammable fjords are one of the most popular places that travellers to gawk over on Instagram. However, Fjord Norway meets many of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s criteria for destinations. The Norwegian government ensures that fishing, hunting and drilling for oil are all well-regulated in Bergen and beyond, pushing the city to the top of our list for the hottest travel destinations for the next decade.
24. Dead Sea, Israel, Jordan & Palestine
Unfortunately ironic, the Dead Sea is, well, dying. The water levels of this famous sea where visitors can float freely thanks to the high salt levels are falling at a rate of about three foot a year, due to a mix of human and geological factors. While there are plans for a restorative project between Israel and Jordan, the fate of Dead Sea seems uncertain. We suggest paying a visit to this natural bucket list wonder before it’s too late.
25. Savannah, Georgia, USA
Not forgetting that famous Southern hospitality, Savannah also has amazing architecture, and rich history, along with global sophistication, funky nightlife and fabulous food. There’s some beautiful old mansions that have been converted into boutique hotels and B&Bs. Plus, you can enjoy evening strolls along lush, ivy and moss streets. When it comes to a city break that oozes charm, Savannah is a real winner.
26. Berlin, Germany
Arguably the coolest city in Europe (where else would you find techno-playing spas and abandoned amusement parks?), Berlin is the rough diamond of the continent where people play hard and work hard. This edgy city has graffiti on every corner and has turned into one of Europe’s coolest bucket list destinations since the fall of the Berlin Wall in ’89.
27. Marrakech, Morocco
You can’t miss out on Marrakech when travelling around Morocco. This ancient walled city is home to mosques, palaces and lush gardens. It’s known as The Red City thanks to the colour of the brick walls surrounding the city. Plus, the medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
28. Beijing, China
Beijing is China’s political, economic, and cultural centre, with six Unesco World Heritage Sites in this city alone. Discover Forbidden City, street food dishes of Peking duck and of course, the Great Wall of China. When it comes to the must-visit bucket list destinations in China, Beijing will come out on top time and time again.
29. Sofia, Bulgaria
Serving up a delightful fusion of Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet influences, Sofia is perhaps one of Eastern Europe’s best-kept secrets. It’s a peculiar mixture of Communist-style buildings and colourful modern design, but if you visit Sofia with an open mind you’ll absolutely fall in love with it.
30. Bridgetown, Barbados
What’s not to love about stunning coral reefs, chilled vibes, and pink and white-sand beaches? Barbados is developing so rapidly that it’s set to become one of the hottest travel bucket list destinations of the decade. From the Unesco World Heritage-listed capital to the thumping nightlife and energetic festivals, there’s not much that Barbados doesn’t have to offer travellers.