A World of Wonders: Epic Bucket List Experiences for 2026
Encounter Wildlife in the Galápagos - Nature Like Nowhere Else
Located 1,000 km off Ecuador's coast, these remote islands are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas, all thriving in a protected and largely untouched ecosystem.
Why add to your travel list: It's one of the few places where you can observe wildlife up close in a truly pristine natural setting. The Galapagos Islands, which inspired Darwin's theory of evolution, are a dream destination for nature lovers and science enthusiasts alike.
Explore Cinque Terre – Italy's Colourful Coastal Villages
Cinque Terre is five colourful fishing villages on Italy's Ligurian coast. Dating back to the Middle Ages, these once-isolated communities relied on fishing and hillside vineyards, preserving their traditional charm over the centuries.
Why add to your travel list: It's one of the top sights in Italy, and it's impossible to fully capture through photos alone. The views from a train or boat trip around the area are truly amazing, offering unique perspectives of this stunning coastline.
Feel the Power of Iguazu Falls – Nature's Roaring Wonder
Stretching across the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls consists of nearly 300 waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest. The sheer volume of water and the diverse wildlife make it one of the most impressive natural sights in the world.
Why add to your travel list: Experiencing Iguazu Falls from both sides of Brazil and Argentina reveals two very different yet equally breathtaking perspectives. Being there means immersing yourself in the thunderous roar, misty spray, and vast scale of the falls. It's an experience that leaves a lasting impression, bringing you face-to-face with nature's raw power.
Wander Through The Acropolis – Greece's Ancient Marvel
The Acropolis sits above Athens as a lasting symbol of ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and classical architecture. This remarkable site is home to several iconic structures, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Why add to your travel list: Visiting the Acropolis, along with other ancient sites in Greece, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the foundations of Western civilisation firsthand.
Experience Uluru – The Spiritual Heart of the Outback
Uluru rises dramatically from the red centre of Australia, a sandstone monolith sacred to the Anangu people. It holds deep cultural significance through the stories connected to the land.
Why add to your travel list: Its vivid colours at sunrise are a sight you'll never forget and visiting offers insight into Indigenous heritage and the landscape's cultural importance in Australia.
Visit Mount Teide - Spain's Volcanic Marvel
Mount Teide is the highest peak in Spain, set within a vast volcanic national park. Its otherworldly terrain and dramatic landscapes create a truly unique experience.
Why add to your travel list: It's a chance to explore a landscape in Spain that feels almost otherworldly, with vast lava fields, jagged rock formations and sweeping vistas that stretch into the horizon.
Admire the Taj Mahal – The Eternal Symbol of Love
Built in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of architecture known for its intricate inlay work, perfect symmetry, and impressive scale.
Why add to your travel list: Seeing the Taj Mahal in person gives you a real sense of the history, scale, and precision behind one of the most iconic landmarks in India.
Discover Mont Saint-Michel – The Tidal Island Spectacle
Mont Saint-Michel is a medieval abbey perched on a rocky island off Normandy's coast. The tides surrounding it create a dramatic landscape, and its cobbled streets feel frozen in time.
Why add to your travel list: Experiencing Mont Saint-Michel's historic architecture and timeless atmosphere in person is profoundly captivating. Its unique location and rich history make it one of the most alluring heritage sites in France.
Uncover The Rockies, Canada – Stunning Mountainscapes
Stretching across Alberta and British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies feature a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and dense forests, making it a favourite destination for nature enthusiasts.
Why add to your travel list: The breathtaking natural beauty and vast wilderness of the Rockies in Canada are sights you truly must see to believe. Notable highlights include Banff, Lake Louise and the scenic Icefields Parkway.
From ancient marvels to natural wonders, there's so much to explore in 2026; the hardest part will be deciding what to tick off your list first!
Belfast Telegraph Travel in association Travel Department have been providing guided holidays for all over the world for over 28 years and counting. With 100s of destinations to choose from, holidays include flights, accommodation, transfers, guided tours and much more.
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