A couple dancing on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Himalayas, Nepal.
Trip Ideas

The 12 Best Bucket List Trips, According to FlightHub and JustFly

What do you want to check off your travel wishlist? Is it a white-sand beach or a world-famous landmark? Are you a lover of nightlife, or do wildlife sightings get your heart racing? The experts at FlightHub and JustFly narrowed down hundreds of bucket-list-worthy sights to the top 12 places they believe can’t just be read about in a book. With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s no better time to book a trip of a lifetime to one of these incredible destinations.

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Hand holding colorful gelato in front of famous iconic Trevi Fountain at Rome, Italy.

Rome, Italy

What’s not to love about Rome? Whether you’re planning your first or 50th trip back, there’s always something new to discover—or something old to fall back in love with, be it the the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the gelato, or the fashion. After getting your fill of Rome’s museums and squares, it’s just an easy train ride to Lucca or Florence. (Just remember to say hello to David while you’re there, and thank Michelangelo while you’re at it!)

Dubai, UAE

The largest and most populous city in the UAE, glitzy Dubai is luxury tourism at its best—a desert outpost turned destination du jour where both tourists and locals flock for shopping, sunshine, and family fun. Whether you go to scale the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), tour the world’s largest gold bazaar, or lighten your wallet in malls filled with massive aquariums and indoor ski slopes, there’s no denying it: Dubai is one of the most larger-than-life destinations you’ll ever visit.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Author George Bernard Shaw once referred to Croatia’s capital city as “paradise on Earth,” no doubt due to its ancient streets, dreamy Adriatic Sea views, and Old Town that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to visit is during September and October, when most of the big cruise ships have left port, the waters are still warm, and temperatures are no longer piping hot. (Plus, the off-season is a great time to save.) Take a boat trip to the islands, ride a cable car at sunset, or walk the Old Town walls. Wherever you go, you’ll see why the city is the definition of picture-perfect.

Photo of woman with long swing and forest view. Young woman swinging in the jungle rainforest of Bali island, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

You’ll find everything from active volcanoes to jungles home to tigers and elephants in this “Land of the Gods,” but mere mortals can visit anytime. Surfers and culture lovers in particular will find their niche thanks to the island’s warm climate and hospitality as well as ancient temples and exotic palaces. The journey to Bali is long, so plan on spending about two weeks taking as much of it in as possible. While you’re there, be sure to dine on Nasi Goreng ($1) or feast on a seven-course meal at one of its fine restaurants. There is lots to taste in Indonesia, and a little can go a long way.

Antarctica

Earth’s southernmost continent—the coldest, windiest, remotest continent on our planet—is a world of extremes and truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Once closed to all but the most intrepid of travelers, you can now explore this final frontier just by booking a cruise. The journey to Antarctica is not an easy (or cheap) one to make, but you’ll be duly rewarded with breathtaking glacier views, sea kayaking, and whale sightings. Let’s not forget the penguins, the local entertainment on this otherwise uninhabited landmass.

Machu Picchu, Peru

They say that Peru is the richest country in the world, where “rich” is not about wealth but about the moments you can experience there. A visit to Machu Picchu, the most iconic site of the Incan civilizations, is one of them. Getting to this 15th-century citadel high in the Andes mountains can be a bit of a hike—but hey, isn’t that the point? Just don’t forget to plan ahead. In 2018, Peruvian authorities changed entries from daily visits to morning and afternoon turns, and daily demand remains as insatiable as ever. Luckily, Machu Picchu has been standing since the 15th century and is still waiting for you.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Is staying in an overwater bungalow on your bucket list? If so, you’ll be over the moon in Bora Bora. They say pictures are worth a thousand words, but nothing compares to seeing this French Polynesian island paradise with your own eyes. The best times to visit are during the shoulder-season months of November and April, when temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s. While this destination is a little harder to get to than Tahiti proper, a vacation here is worth its weight in sunset gold.

Turtle Tower in Hanoi Hoan Kiem foggy lake in Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam

If picturesque pagodas and unique museums are what you seek, the ancient capital of Vietnam will not disappoint. This well-preserved French-colonial city is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich blend of Asian and French cultural influences best experienced at street level, where food vendors and scooters compete with an incredible nightlife scene come sundown. To get away for a day, book a trip to Halong Bay or a short drive to the countryside. You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush parks, scenic mountains, and traditional villages—a complete contrast to the pace of city life.

Petra, Jordan

You don’t come as far as Jordan to be in a rush, so we recommend setting aside at least two full days to properly explore this treasured world wonder. Horse carts, camels, and donkeys are all great modes of local transportation, but hoofing it on your own two feet is best if you want to walk Petra’s valley floor and scale higher for more spectacular photo ops. Time your visit for the morning or afternoon, when the rose-red city comes alive in the light. Just one word of caution: try and avoid getting sand in your mouth while taking in this jaw-dropping sight.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Wildlife and adventure lovers, prepare to be wowed. Eastern Africa’s Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, dominated by lush rainforests home to countless birds, reptiles, and mammals including the critically endangered mountain gorilla. It is estimated that there are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild today, and the Virungas are one of the only places you can see them.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Exploring cosmopolitan cities and incredible nature all in one trip is possible in Argentina. Start in Buenos Aires, where you can hit innovative museums and recharge in gorgeous luxury hotels before heading out again to dance all night—this is the tango capital of the world, after all. From there, the choice is yours. Horseback riding from a quaint estancia in the Andes or sipping delicious wines in the shadow of a volcano in Mendoza are two great options.

Close up right hand female using calculator in Euro banknotes background. Calculation at home

Why Wait? FlightHub’s Cheap Flights Can Get You There Fast

FlightHub and their American brand JustFly deliver the lowest prices possible from any airline or combination of airlines. They combine flights and prices from over two dozen sources across hundreds of airlines and hotel suppliers, then aggregate thousands of options within seconds. The result? Affordable airfare and convenient routes from start to finish.

By offering the best flight options, providing the lowest priced airfare, and delivering the easiest customer experience, millions of happy customers book with FlightHub every day. From your travel-friendly friends at FlightHub and JustFly, happy traveling and bucket-list tackling!

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