Everyone needs a travel bucket list. Let’s call it the “Travel the World” list. It can be daunting to decide what goes on that list, as there is such a big, beautiful world out there with so much to see. With so many international destinations, natural wonders and man-made masterpieces, the choices are infinite in the course of a lifetime. Here is a narrowed down list of 10 breathtaking places to see before you kick the bucket. Pick one or pick them all – you can’t go wrong. This is your ultimate travel itinerary that will take you on a journey of a lifetime. From the Seven Wonders of the World to tropical paradises, this will certainly give you ideas for planning your next holiday.
1. Cairo, Egypt
Your first stop here should be at one of the 7 wonders of the world, the only surviving ancient wonder, the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is 230.4 meters wide at its base, 146.5 meters tall and was built between 2584 BC and 2561 BC. Giza is usually a stop on the Cairo-Luxor-Aswan trip along the Nile River and the pyramids, temples and tombs are a spectacular sight.
2. Rome, Italy
This epic city was certainly not built in a day. Founded in 753 BC, the Eternal City is one of the oldest occupied cities in Europe and widely regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization. It is the embodiment of Renaissance art and religious opulence. Be sure to visit the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and the Coliseum. As they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” and practice the perfected “il dolce far niente”, the sweet art of idleness. Take a stroll down the beguiling piazza and have a great feast at the trattorias or enoctecas. Viva Roma!
3. Agra, India
All for the honor of love, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal is a striking white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid 1600s. It was used to house the tomb of his favorite wife Mumtaz, a Persian princess. The interior is even more stunning than the exterior, if that is even possible. Inside you will see the world’s finest example of the Mughal style which an elegant combination of Persian, Islamic and Indian architecture.
4. Huairou, China
Undoubtedly, one of the most iconic man-made structures on Earth, the Great Wall of China is absolutely incredible. Do you know that it is not one continuous wall but a series of shorter walls spanning more than 5,500 miles in its entirety? The wall was originally built to keep out nomads and invaders but today it serves as amazing vantage points as it winds along the crests of hills. Try hiking the Jinshanling Great Wall, which is located 2 and half hours away from Beijing. Acclaimed as the best-preserved section along with its stunning views of the rugged landscape, it is any photographer’s dream.
5. Queensland, Australia
The colors that you will find in the Great Barrier Reef are otherworldly. It is more than 1,400 miles long and located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland. Dubbed the Blue Outback, it is also the largest coral reef system on the planet. This World Heritage site is a protected marine park that comprises of 900 islands and 3,000 individual reefs. If that is already not dizzying enough, get this – there are 5,000 species of mollusk, 1,500 fish species, 400 species of coral, 215 bird species, 125 species of shark, stingray, skates and chimaera, 30 species of dolphins, whales and porpoises. Crikey!
6. Tanzania
If you love wildlife this next location is an absolute must in your travel bucket list. Experiencing the Great Migration is a dream come true. It’s remarkably grand to witness 1.5 million wildebeests, accompanied by 400,000 gazelles and 200,000 zebras move in ordered chaos through the beautiful Serengeti ecosystem. These astounding animals move from the northern hills to the southern plains for short rains in October and November and then back north after the long rains from April to June. These will be the best times to go on a safari to the Serengeti National Park, which has the highest concentration on large mammals on the planet, especially lions. Get a safari guide so that you don’t miss glimpses of the Big Five – African elephants, Cape buffaloes, lions, leopards and rhinoceros.
7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The exuberant spirit of the people of Rio de Janeiro is evident all year round. It is known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) for a reason. It has more than 20 beaches and many magnificent landmarks, including the legendary Christ the Redeemer statue that overlooks the city. With the Guanabara Bay against the rugged backdrop of densely forested mountains, get ready for one of the most stunning settings in the world.
8. Machu Picchu, Peru
The reason this Incan citadel is called the Lost City of the Incas is because its location is so remote. Perched on the edge of a mountain high in the Andes and hidden from ravaging conquistadors until it was found in 1911, its untouched wonder is astounding on many levels. Its fascinating history is worth the challenging one-hour walk up to the summit of Wayna Picchu, soaring 1,100 feet above Machu Picchu. It believed to be the former residence of the Inca High Priest and only 400 people are permitted on Wayna Picchu each day.
9. Petra, Jordan
Petra means “rock” in Greek and is one of Jordan’s most popular spots. The city is a marvel of rock-cut architecture and appears to spring from the very cliffs that surround it. Until 1812, this mysterious city did not appear on Western maps. Today, you can stroll down its beautiful boulevards and explore its fascinating tombs and archaeological sites.
10. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This World Heritage Site is a nature lover's paradise. The untouched splendor and wealth of unique species, like the giant tortoise, make it unforgettable. Located 575 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos archipelago and its surrounding waters are a national park and biological marine preserve. Take a relaxing cruise that offers multi-island tours that will simply enthrall you.
With these exciting travel plans, don’t forget to keep you and your loved ones safe by purchasing reliable travel insurance. It is absolutely vital to ensure peace of mind on your amazing journey. AIG Travel Insurance has a comprehensive plan that will “jaga” you and your family through any travel mishap.
Click here for more information: https://www.aig.my/personal/travel/travel-insurance or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/aigtravelinsurance/
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To read more about exploring within Malaysia, click here: http://www.sofianaznim.com/2017/01/exploring-haven-resort-ipoh.html
Want to bring your kids along while travelling? Check out: Top 5 Kid-friendly Holiday Destinations in the U.S
Want to bring your kids along while travelling? Check out: Top 5 Kid-friendly Holiday Destinations in the U.S
Save your time and money when looking for a place to stay when you're travelling by check out the ultimate travel hack for families at: AllTheRooms
Contributor Profile
M.J. George
Menaka George is a professional copywriter
with a Masters in Business Administration. She has written weekly blogs for
Malaysia’s Largest Online Wine Shop, WineTalk and over 1000 product
descriptions for EBay. She currently contributes digital articles to various
commercial and corporate giants.
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