Emily Dickinson continues to remind us, even to this day, that hope is the thing with feathers. It’s a reminder to dream big and with a little bit of effort and planning behind those dreams, we can spring all our hopes to life.
How’s your bucket list looking these days? Are you hoping for an American odyssey, a European excursion, or an Asian adventure? We’d like to add twelve additional destinations to your list – if they’re not already on there. Ready to see the world?
Donegal, Ireland
We’ve all heard of Dublin – possibly even Cork, too. But have you ever visited Donegal? It’s in the north of Ireland, but not Northern Ireland.
Along with one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League, and several pristine beaches, it also has the nicest, most welcoming group of people in a land already known for its Irish hospitality.
Dubbed the “Forgotten County,” the folks of Donegal tend to stick together and know a thing or two about building community. While you’re here, check out Donegal town, visit Donegal Castle, and step inside Olde Castle Bar for the perfect pour and a savory cup of seafood chowder.
For a fuller Irish itinerary, check out these 25 must-visit destinations in Ireland.
London, England
If you’ve never been, the upcoming holiday season is the perfect time to visit this beautiful city steeped in history and tradition. The crime rates have been fluctuating in London lately, but if you stick to the touristy destinations and stay in a chic hotel, your street smarts will take care of the rest.
Our list of the 20 best royal attractions in London will guide you through some wonderful sights, including The Tower of London, The King’s Gallery, and Kensington Palace. Book into The Lanesborough’s Bridgerton Afternoon Tea if you’re a friend of Lady Whistledown. And enjoy the medley of cuisines that exist in this multicultural mecca.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Here’s another city that, when festooned in holiday lights, its inherent beauty reaches new heights. Harry Potter fans unite in this city for multiple reasons. But, really, anyone with a heart for the Old World loves this city.
Stroll up and down colorful Victoria Street as you dip in and out of the shops. Walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to The Palace of Holyroodhouse. And, when you’re ready, hop on board a train and head up to The Highlands for some priceless opportunities to be one with nature.
Barcelona, Spain
While Edinburgh has that Old World charm, Barcelona has an artistic flare that compares to no place else on Earth. The architect and designer, Antoni Gaudi transformed the city with his unique blend of Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic style, and Catalan Modernism. Certainly, his museum is worth a visit.
But this is another one of those cities where you can get lost just wandering the streets. Dip in and out of restaurants for the finest samplings of tapas, enjoy a glass of sangria or two, and – when you’re ready – make your way over to the Mediterranean Sea for several reinvigorating breaths of fresh air.
Santorini, Greece
In a land that can soothe your soul just by touching down on its soil, Santorini manages to take things up a notch. With high-end resorts like Santorini Kastelli, you can overlook the Aegean Sea from the onsite infinity pool – after you’ve indulged in a decadent day at the spa.
There are many all-inclusive resorts that will be happy to whisk you away to a treasure trove of treats, including world-class cuisine, some of the most beautiful beaches, and – arguably – the best sunset spots in the world.
Rome, Italy
We mentioned the history of London but, if it’s history you want, it has to be Greece or Italy. So, let’s take aim at the city that had such an impact on the world. With so many sights to see, sometimes it’s nice to book a tour company to get the lay of the land and hear all the tales.
Certain tour companies like Through Eternity are noted for their efficient and engaging experiences. In about seven hours, you can skip the lines as you tour The Eternal City’s famous sights like the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel. Then, you have Fat Tire Tours if you’d like to hop on a segway or The Roman Guy for a private tour.
Colmar, France
We almost went for Paris since we’re discussing big-ticket bucket list items. But, let’s go with a bit of a curveball and head north to Colmar – on the German and Swiss border. When people compare it to a fairy tale, they may or may not realize how accurate they’re being because – rumor has it – it inspired the scenes of Beauty and the Beast.
Here, you have to wander through Old Town as you walk along the canal and make your way to Little Venice. The food here is top shelf – absolutely everywhere you go. The Église Saint-Martin, or St. Martin’s Church, is a stunning display of Gothic architectural style.
And, if you can make it here during the holiday season, you’ll be dazzled and delighted by their Christmas market. Here’s more on how to make the most of your time in this enchanted land.
Vienna, Austria
From Colmar, Germany is the obvious choice, but Vienna has been creeping higher and higher on people’s bucket lists – and for good reason. After all, it was a beloved city, back to the days when Mozart roamed the streets.
While coffee shop culture continues to increase in popularity all over the world, Vienna’s coffee houses remain top-shelf. It’s so intertwined with local culture that, sometimes, they’re referred to as the city’s living rooms.
Given the history of the city, many of them are housed in architecturally stunning buildings. The coffee is strong; the pastries are fresh; and the overall setting of a safe city is a memory you’ll take with you for the rest of your life.
Prague, Czech Republic
If you’ve visited one fairy tale city, why not another? Prague, too, has a distinct reputation for looking like something straight out of a storybook, probably because of Prague Castle. St. Vitus Cathedral, the sight of former coronations of Czech kings and queens and the burial place of patron saints, is a feast for the eyes, as well.
Charles Bridge is also a wonder, with its construction beginning all the way back in 1357. It’s lined with life-sized statues of saints and, in the setting sun, cuts quite a figure. If you’re not a beer drinker, Prague is the place to give your taste buds one more chance with a pint because they have some of the freshest, most unique flavors in this fairy-tale land.
Kyoto, Japan
Like France, it was tempting to go to the capital city. But, let’s head further north again into the mountains. Kyoto is a peaceful land. The zen in the air absorbs right into your soul the moment you step off the train.
It’s also known for its onsens, or hot springs, where you will feel all the stress exit your body the moment you settle into one. The ryokans, or traditional Japanese inns in this area, are often fitted with their own onsens.
If you can splurge a little, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto will be happy to serve you gourmet cuisine, escort you to the onsens, usher you to the spot for the most beautiful sunset, and treat you like royalty – even if just for a night.
Savannah, GA, USA
We must not forget the Land of the Free. Over in America, it’s really tough to hone in on just a handful of bucket list destinations. But, if we had to choose one on the East Coast, it would have to be Savannah. She’s a true Southern Belle full of grace and charm.
There’s a famous street in the city, Jones Street. The ancient oak trees drip with Spanish moss and form a delightful arch over the cobblestone streets. The houses date back to the mid-1800s, showcasing an elaborate display of artistic Antebellum architecture.
Then, you have Broughton Street, a shopper’s delight. But don’t stop there because, down on River Street, you’ll be tempted some more with handcrafted goods, sumptuous restaurants, and a glorious view over the Savannah River. If you come here at sunset, you won’t be sorry.
Seattle, WA, USA
As for the West Coast in America, California may be the obvious choice, but we’re going to go with Seattle this time around. It feels like a sleepy city, with its frequent rainfall and misty streets, but it’s more alive than most cities.
Here, too, you’ll find its coffee shop culture is on point. The famous Pike Place Market is a wonder, with all its stalls stacked with fresh fish, meats, cheeses, and handcrafted goods. Gazing out over the Puget Sound is enchantingly peaceful and relaxing.
There’s plenty of beachfront access, as well, especially if you go through Golden Gardens Park. Then, of course, you have Mount Rainer National Park for mountainous views and soul-healing hikes. In essence, Seattle has it all.
See You Out There Someday
There’s so much to explore in this bright, big world, isn’t there? Whether you’d like to visit Ireland’s forgotten county or step into the pages of a fairy tale, each of these bucket list destinations will stay with you forever.
As soon as you start making plans, head over to our destination guides. We likely have one for your upcoming travels and would be happy to help you craft the perfect itinerary. And, if all goes well, we’ll see you out on the streets of Rome someday!