Exotic Vacation Destinations to Add to Your Travel Bucket List ASAP!
If you’ve been bit by the travel bug, then you probably already have a travel bucket list that you’re working on completing. However, you’ll want to go over your list and add some of these exotic vacation destinations!
Are you constantly seeing your friends post pictures of their exotic vacations on social media? This may only intensify the wanderlust that’s burning inside you.
While you wait for a good time to travel and save money for the ultimate vacation, you may find yourself scouring the web for the perfect destination.
Sure, you probably have a travel bucket list started, but half the fun is finding new locations to add. So, what is your bucket list missing?
Do you want some ideas? Keep reading to discover the best exotic vacation destinations to add to your travel bucket list.
Bali
If you’ve been wanting to embark on an epic self-discovery vacation, “Eat Pray Love” style, then Bali can’t be missed. But there is so much more to this little island than meets the eye.
Nestled in the Indian Ocean, this Indonesian Island is home to playful monkeys, exquisite temples, relaxing massages, and amazing food. The Balinese are very spiritual people, so temples and offerings are abundant – there are also several healers making this the perfect addition to your travel bucket list.
The city of Kuta is known for good surfing conditions (even if you’re a beginner) and the turtle conservatory where you might even get the chance to release a baby sea turtle on the beach.
Travel inland to Ubud, and you can find lush rice paddies and the Sacred Monkey Forest, where monkeys aren’t afraid to grab bananas right out of your hand.
South Africa
If you want to see more than monkeys, a safari in South Africa may be one of your top trips.
Of course, no two safaris are the same. There are a variety of options that can suit anyone’s preferences, including afternoon tours and multi-day camping safaris. Kruger Park Tours offers some amazing safari packages – some even include luxury services, like spa treatments.
But don’t stop there! Africa is also home to some thrilling water-dwellers too! River cruises and great white shark cage diving are two things that should find their way onto your bucket list of travel adventures.
Finland
While many people think warm and tropical when they think of exotic destinations, sometimes a little chill can be exotic too (just make sure you pack correctly to stay comfortable while traveling).
Finland is a true winter wonderland with so many fun, snowy activities. You can explore the Kemi Snow Castle – a castle truly fit for the snow queen herself – or visit Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village.
But what makes Finland one of the bucket list trips of a lifetime is the chance to witness the elusive Northern Lights. While you’ll want to look at them for as long as possible, the cold may make you want to head indoors before this natural phenomenon ends.
If you book a trip to Finland, be sure to check out the glass igloos in Saariselka (don’t worry, we can’t pronounce it either). While a little pricey, there’s no better way to see the Northern Lights than staying warm in an igloo made of crystal clear glass.
Easter Island
Getting to witness the mysterious Moai heads of Easter Island is one of the greatest bucket list trips of a lifetime. You may think that this island is just a short add-on while traveling to Chile, but Easter Island has its own impressive must-see list.
The Moai are located in several different locations on the island, so a visit to a few impressive Moai sites is a must. You may also want to catch the sunrise or sunset overlooking these statues. There are also ancient petroglyphs, cultural dances, volcano hikes, and caves to explore.
The best part is that Easter Island is so small, a bike rental is an adequate mode of transportation to get you around.
Amsterdam
If you prefer a vacation to a more modern and liberal city, you should add Amsterdam to your travel bucket list.
Travelers typically like visiting some of the risque sites, such as the Red Light District and one of the various coffee shops (aka weed shops).
There are also museums dedicated to marijuana, prostitution, and erotica if you want to learn a little more about this country’s culture, as well as live sex shows if you’re looking for something really unforgettable.
But Amsterdam can be a wholesome vacation as well. You may take a boat tour through their extensive canal system, rent a bike and ride like the locals, visit the Anne Frank House, peruse through the flower market, or go outside the city to see the classic tulip fields and windmills.
Paris
Ah, Paris – the city of love. Paris is one of the top trips for many people thanks to the sparkling Eiffel Tower, an impressive collection of art at the Louvre, and the many wineries (just make sure you deal with your hangover effectively).
All these impressive sites make Paris one of the top must-see travel destinations. But don’t forget to check out one underrated attraction as well – the catacombs. In this extensive underground burial site, bones from millions of people are stored, and some were even organized to form patterns and designs on the walls.
France is also known for their fancy cuisine. While here, make sure you try some of their signature dishes, such as escargot, boeuf bourguignon, and coq au vin. Of course, don’t forget about the pastries, either! You can’t have enough macarons, eclairs, and pain au chocolate.
Tokyo
While you may only think of Tokyo as being modern, there are plenty of historical sites to see as well.
The Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple are two of the top must-see travel destinations in Tokyo for those wanting to learn about Japanese history and culture. You may also want to visit the Metropolitan Government Building for the best free observatory view of the city.
Watching a sumo wrestling match and taking part in a Japanese tea ceremony are a few traditional cultural experiences to have, while the Robot Restaurant and cosplay go-karting are some activities that show off Tokyo’s modern, and sometimes quirky, culture.
St. Petersburg
When you think of St. Petersburg, your mind probably immediately goes to that intricate church with colorful bulbs topping it off, right?
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is the most iconic church in St. Petersburg (not to be confused with St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow), but it’s not as gruesome as it sounds. Inside, you’ll find stunning artwork and beautiful mosaics.
After you’re done gazing at this grandeur church, head over to the Winter Palace (which is an impressive site to see on its own) and see the Hermitage museum that’s located inside the palace. This museum rivals the Louvre for its outstanding collection of art, including pieces by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Morocco
Morocco is one of the best exotic bucket list trips of a lifetime. Its unique location gives this country a mix of European, Middle Eastern, and African influences.
Haggling your way through the markets and being speechless in some of the gorgeous mosques are absolute can’t-miss experiences. Visiting the ancient city of Volubilis is a great way to fit a history lesson on your trip while touring a tannery will give you a glimpse into the real jobs of many modern-day Moroccans.
Morroco is also one of the best places for motorcycle enthusiasts because of it’s diverse landscapes and well-surfaced roads.
Exuma
The Bahamas are one of the most picturesque and exotic destinations. If you want to lounge on white sand beaches and swim in crystal clear water, the Bahamas should be on your travel bucket list.
While there are some amazing experiences to have in the Bahamas, Exuma became famous for their swimming pigs! Since they don’t have any natural predators, they feel perfectly comfortable swimming with their human counterparts.
But pigs aren’t the only animal you can swim with while in Exuma. You can also swim with nurse sharks and stingrays making this one of the greatest bucket list trips of a lifetime for animal lovers. While you can’t actually swim with starfish, you can visit the starfish reserves and hold one for a few seconds before plopping it safely back into the water.
The Best Travel Bucket List Destinations
If you have found your passion for travel, you’ve probably spent hours (or days) at a time scouring the internet for your next great adventure. The best part about having a travel bucket list is that it’s never complete! There’s always room for more ideas and trips.
While the world is full of amazing places, some of the best exotic destinations include Bali, South Africa, Easter Island, Tokyo, and Exuma.
Do you want more awesome travel ideas? Check out our world travel blog page for more bucket list destinations!