Bucket list Destinations you just have to try!

Every so often the British newspapers and travel review sites run a poll of their readers’ top bucket list destinations, (here at Low Cost Deals we just love a bucket list poll). These are the sorts of must-see places that house unique natural phenomena, landmarks of exceptional historical influence, stunningly unrivaled views or renowned and impressive attractions. They’re destinations that are widely believed to be a necessary experience for everybody at least once before they die!

You probably have your own personal holiday bucket list; perhaps one which has personal relevance for you. However, your list isn’t finite. There’s nothing to stop you adding to it. Let us inspire you with a few more YOLO bucket list places, which we have collated from everyone else’s lists, to bring you the best of the best. If you’re worried you won’t be able to fit all these holidays in before you retire, isn’t that just a good excuse to start saving and travelling now. The Aspen Travel team will be able to get you a great deal on your next package.

Northern Lights

As this natural light display, which occurs over the North Pole, appears to be at the top of just about every poll out there, it must also appear at the top of our list, but what will you actually see and how incredible is it?

When solar particles hit gas particles in the Earth’s atmosphere, the effects are dazzling. Dancing ribbons of green and red lights will brighten the skies over Alaska, Northern Scandinavia and the Arctic. The Northern Lights can be viewed from late September to late March, as this is when the days are shorter and the nights begin earlier.

Hurtigruten is one of our favourite travel partners. Nobody else can circumnavigate the Norwegian coastline quite like them. However, one of our favourite locations to watch the Northern Lights is in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. This cosmopolitan city of galleries, restaurants and cafes is beautiful even without the sky being lit up green.

During a short break to Reykjavik, you’ll have the opportunity to bathe in the clear geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon and take a sled across the ice fjords, as well as witness countless geysers, waterfalls and the large volcano; Mount Hekla. Enjoy a short break here, or opt for a longer holiday and visit Greenland at the same time. It’s a great place to go whale watching; an activity that consistently appears high on bucket lists.

Taj Mahal at Sunrise

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. It was built by the emperor Shah Jahan for his wife from marble which appears rose and gold coloured in the early morning sun as it reflects the light. The walls have jewels embedded in them and even more impressive than the sight of the building itself, is its reflection in the mirror pools below. Take your time to explore the building and walk around the classical gardens surrounding it. You certainly won’t be disappointed!

To make the most of your trip to the Taj Mahal, why not visit it as part of an escorted tour that takes in a number of Indian cities, giving you the chance to explore this widely diverse country in more detail. You’ll have a tour guide to show you around and ensure you don’t miss your connections. Everything you need to have a great time; such as your accommodation, travel, food and entrance tickets will be included in your package.

One of our favourite escorted tours is Travelsphere’s Taj Mahal, Delhi and Amber Fort package. In addition to viewing the Taj Mahal, you’ll visit the colourful markets and iconic landmarks of Delhi, such as India Gate. The Amber Fort is often claimed to be the second most popular attraction in India. Located in Jaipur, it is also known as the Pink Palace.

New England in the Fall

The forests along the east coast of the USA turn colour in the Autumn, in the most glorious way. Thousands of green leaves becoming red, brown and gold, before carpeting the ground is a must-see experience. Plus the culture of this area, where the founding fathers landed is utterly unique.

In order to immerse yourself in the New England Fall, youll need to see more than one forest! For that reason we highly recommend taking an escorted tour. Our favourite is Collette Worldwide’s Colours of New England tour, which takes in Massachusetts, Boston, the mountains of Vermont and the lakes of New Hampshire. You’ll enjoy authentic east coast cider, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream in the factory where it’s made, as well as a traditional New England lobster dinner.

Machu Picchu, Peru

This lost Inca city was apparently forgotten about for 400 years before reappearing in the collective conscious of travellers all over the world to become one of the globally most popular bucket list destinations. Located high in the Andes, you’ll trek into this fascinating and enigmatic former Inca empire and one of the oldest civilisations in the world, taking in Peruvian markets, Cisco and Lima along the way. We offer plenty of luxury packages that will take you to Machu Picchu and rest you in comfort before showing you the stunning sights around here.

Indian Ocean Island Paradise

The Maldives and Mauritius are famed for having the best beaches in the world. Close your eyes and picture paradise. What does it look like? Are you watching turtles swimming past in azure seas as you lie on the white sands of your remote beach, listening to the palm trees and exotic birds as they call overhead? This is what you can expect from the incredible beach resorts in this area. Expect luxurious pampering and opulent accommodation.

The Temples of Angkor

Surrounded by jungle, the temples of Angkor are slowly being incorporated into the exotic foliage that is creeping ever closer to them. Vines and tree trunks hugs themselves to the stonework. To travel here will be a very spiritual journey.

Best experienced, in our opinion, as part of an escorted tour of this part of the world, you can witness some real treasures. One of our favourite tours is by Cox and Kings; Vietnam and the temples of Angkor. You’ll begin your trip in Hanoi, immersing yourself in cookery demonstrations and traditional water puppet shows, before cruising along the beautiful Halong Bay in a Junk boat. Next up is Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City before you reach the temples. Your holiday will end with a memorable trip along the Mekong Delta. It’s a great way to gain an insight into this popular bucket list destination.

The Gardens of Kyoto

Kyoto is a city that is steeped in Japanese tradition. When you take in the sights as part of a tour that will also bring you to Tokyo, the contrast between these two cities is striking. Kyoto holds the traditional tea ceremony in high esteem. You will experience it yourself in the grounds of the heritage site, Kodaiji Temple.

Also included in most escorted tours of Japan will be a day in Tokyo, Hiroshima, Takayama and a trip to Mount Fuji. You’ll have the chance to watch the countryside roll past from the window of the infamous Bullet Train too.

Iconic Route 66

Route 66 across the USA has a special place in the heart of many travellers. It’s a symbolic route, that has been depicted in numerous movies and books, signifying freedom, independence and a search for ‘the American dream.’ A well worn road that is all singing, all dancing in some areas, but utterly remote in others, Route 66 is littered with oddities and attractions. You’ll see plenty of hall of fames and museums celebrating its existence as you drive by.

Titan Travel offer plenty of great quality North American packages and their Route 66 holiday is a must-try trip. The road begins in Chicago, skirts around the shores of Lake Michigan, before moving into Abraham Lincoln’s stomping grounds; the cities of Springfield and St Louis. In the latter you’ll take a boat trip across the Mississippi.

You’ll then move onwards through Oklahoma, the civil war battle fields of Amarillo, into Albuquerque and then to the edge of one of the true wonders of the world; The Grand Canyon! Stare across to the far edge, before you hit LA, Santa Monica and Long Beach in California.

Get Going..

All of these bucket list destinations should be visited at least once! The big question is which one do you fancy first? To help you make up your mind, why not give the Low Cost Deals team a call? Our knowledgeable and extensively trained travel agents will be able to make recommendations based on your travel preferences and budget.

Additionally we’ll work closely with major tour operators to ensure you get competitive prices and the best possible accommodation for your budget. So get in touch with the Low Cost Deals team today on 0845 528 0353