
A bucket list can be a tricky beast.
Flight Centre turns 40 this year – and because we're in a celebratory mood – we've figured that's as good a place as any to start our countdown of the 40 best holiday destinations.
40. Turkey
39. Denmark

38. Germany
37. Cambodia
Cruising and boating along the many waterways of the Mekong Delta have become a popular way of seeing this country of a thousand temples, including the famous Angkor Wat, at the heart of the ancient Khmer civilisation. Theravada Buddhism is practiced by 95% of the population, making a visit to Cambodia a truly spiritual, if not mind un-cluttering, experience. Of all Cambodia's secrets, Sihanoukville's beaches are its best kept with stunning natural beauty.
36. South Africa
Yes, there's more to visiting South Africa than a safari in Kruger National Park and Cape Town. While its wildlife is big and spectacular, South Africa is a land teeming with culture. Johannesburg's Maboneng district has a thriving hub of art galleries and an intriguing food scene. Art tours of Soweto are popular as is the Apartheid Museum where the country's tortuous colonial legacy is laid bare in the spirit of reconciliation. Milder temperatures in spring and autumn make them the ideal seasons to visit, South Africa's wineries are world class, and there are breath-taking views of Table Mountain on your decent to Cape Town Airport.

35. Monaco
Glamour, gambling, and ostentatious displays of wealth are what you'd normally associate with this tiny principality at the foot of the French Riviera. But delve a little further and you'll find the city cradles a well-preserved historical quarter with steep, narrow lanes winding round the hills that lead you to impressive sights such as the Prince's Palace (best viewed at night) and the Monaco Cathedral, making it one of the most ideal holiday destinations for your bucket list. Monte Carlo district's Port de Fontvieille and Port Hercule are also worth a sight-see. While staying and eating in Monaco can be a little expensive, the bus is surprisingly cheap if all the hillside hiking tires you out.
34. Sri Lanka
The tired moniker “tear-drop of India” really does this vibrant and dazzling island nation a disservice. A rich and joyous culture with world class entertainment, sandy beaches brushed by turquoise waters, and a burgeoning eco-tourism industry taking in mountains, lush rainforests, colourful buildings and ancient monuments should make Sri Lanka one of the coolest countries on your bucket list.
33. Czech Republic
In a land renowned for beer, hot spring spa baths and medieval castles, who would've guessed you could combine all three? For a little over $150 in Prague you can relax in a beer bath amid a medieval setting while drinking unlimited handles of it as you soak. This medical “treatment” dating back to the Middle Ages cleanses the pores, regenerates skin and hair and revitalises the nervous system. A visit to the Czech Republic also promises some of Europe's most dramatic UNESCO world heritage sites, world class museums, pristine forest hikes and a delectable bar and food scene.
32. Austria
Famous for its pristine tap water that flows from alpine springs, a trip to Vienna is refreshing in so many ways. The Austrian capital's coffee culture is such an integral part of Viennese life that it's a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most important tourist attractions. Outside of its countless coffee houses, the city blooms with art and architecture and proudly resists the modernised tackiness that's infected so many other European cities. The Austrian countryside abounds with alpine wonder: naturally beautiful lakes, forests, rolling hills and mountainous terrain all begging to be explored via a weave of hiking trails.

31. Egypt
Exploring the land of the Pharaohs and ancient cities is epic. And while it is amazing to connect with one of the world's oldest civilisations and it's ancient culture by visiting the temples, tombs and pyramids placed reverently along the banks of the Nile, modern Egypt is also an intriguing holiday destination. Home to a population of 21 million, greater Cairo is easily the biggest city in Africa and the Middle East. It's popular shopping district, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, has been attracting hagglers since the 14th century and gets more interesting the further you wander into its narrow alleyways. Here you'll find authentic exotic goods, vibrant culture and amazing food amid all the hustle and bustle of a genuine Egyptian bazaar experience.
30. Iceland
A dramatic volcanic landscape and ideal viewing conditions to catch the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights) combine to make a visit to Iceland feel like a journey to another world. Many of the country's glamping sites are within an easy drive of the capital Reykjavik and have transparent areas of ceiling so you can enjoy this eye-popping polar light show and the natural beauty of the landscape from the warmth of your glamp-bed.
29. Dublin

28. Mauritius
White sandy beaches, beautiful marine life and craggy peaks that brush the sky give Mauritius that dreamy quality so eagerly anticipated in a tropical vacation spot. And for an island no more than 50km in length, Mauritius has plenty going on. From sky-diving, to street markets, zip-lining to swimming with dolphins in crystal blue waters, five star resorts to mountain biking, a holiday in Mauritius comes in many flavours.
27. Switzerland
26. Philippines
Being an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, it's no surprise that the Philippines have many spectacular golden beaches and all the swimming, diving, paddling, surfing “aquivities” you could image on an island paradise. The Philippines' unique and complex mix of ethnicities make for a culture and cuisine that's rich and colourful. This is exemplified by the playful paintwork on its Jeepneys – ex-World War II jeeps craftly adapted into buses that have become a national icon.

25. New Caledonia
With its massive UNESCO world heritage lagoon and coral reefs, New Caledonia is a diving paradise. Although the archipelago is on our doorstep, its mix of French and Indigenous Kanak culture make it a popular getaway for those wanting to sample a fresh perspective without travelling far. With Lush rainforest and a myriad of natural wonders, this breathtakingly beautiful destination is a must add to your travel bucket list.
24. Spain
In this land of party lovers, you'd have to be hiding under a giant ladrillo not to be caught up in the revelry of a Spanish festival. From the La Merce festival in Barcelona to honour the city's patron saint, to Madrid's summertime San Cayetano festivities, Spain is a sea of celebration, colorful buildings and barefoot luxury, making it one of our favourite holiday destinations.
23. Cancun

22. Amsterdam
21. Tahiti
The major island of French Polynesia offers some of the most stunning overwater bungalows in the Pacific, pristine beaches and some of the world's best surf at Teahupoo on the southern tip of the island. With undeniable natural beauty, lush rainforest, and unspoiled beaches, Tahiti is definitely a holiday destination to add to your bucket list.

20. Cook Islands
19. Vancouver
British Columbia's bustling but beautiful urban heart on Canada's west coast offers both metropolitan magnetism (read coffee, art, foodilicious eateries and nightlife) and stunning vistas. As it's cradled nicely between the Rockies and the sea in Western Canada, Vancouver's surrounds roar with the call of wilderness adventure. Indulge in the wonders of sustainable tourism as you enjoy mountain peaks, breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife in this great destination.
18. Vanuatu
With 83 islands awash with lush beaches and dominated by active volcanoes and a people alive in their untainted kastom or culture, Vanuatu is an adventurer's dream. From kava to lava, your journey of discovery will never stop on these islands filled with friendly locals, active volcanoes and rich culture.
17. New Zealand
While Queenstown's slopes attract a multitude of skiers from every corner of the globe in winter, New Zealand saves its best for spring, summer and autumn with a multitude of national parks and road trip opportunities. Mountain hiking trails (call it tramping) through the UNESCO world heritage sites of Tongariro National Park and Te Wahipounamu (the creme of the South Island's national parks) are stunning outside the snowy season, as are attractions such the Hobbiton movie set in Waikato and authentic Maori cultural experiences and geothermal hot springs in Rotorua.
16. Athens
From its ancient heart around the Acropolis to swanky inner-city districts such as Kolonaki, a visit to Athens lays bare the span of Western civilisation. The city's streets are open museums of the art and architecture of countless eras: classical Greece and Rome, the Byzantine age and the Ottoman conquest. The tumultuous history of the birthplace of democracy and modern philosophy serves as a stark reminder of Europe's unending quest for peace and stability. But never fear, you can quickly restore your holiday spirit just as the ancients did, and head for the Greek islands where year round sunshine and crystal blue waters await.
15. Kuala Lumpur

14. Paris
13. Hong Kong

12. Ho Chi Minh City

11. Tokyo
10. Dubai
Voted a top destination for 2022, Dubai began life as a small fishing village on the shore of the Arabian Gulf before blossoming into a global financial hub of luxury hotels, high-end shopping, great food, and the world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa at 828m). Dubai is an oasis of light and nightlife where desert meets the sea, mosques meet malls and cultures from all over the world greet and mingle.

9. Rome
Italy's ancient capital is full of history, culture and, of course, excellent food. Travel back in time with a visit to the Colosseum, one of the largest amphitheatres ever built, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Within Rome, you'll also find the world's smallest city, the Vatican, blessed with the Sistine Chapel and its harmonious Renaissance architecture.
8. Phuket
7. London
6. Singapore

5. Los Angeles
4. Hamilton Island
The heart of our very own Great Barrier Reef in the Whitsunday Islands is a slice of tropical paradise right on our Queensland doorstep. From high-end luxurious hotels to couples' only escapes and family holiday homes, there's no shortage of places to stay. But if hopping between islets, bays and countless dive spots of the Great Barrier Reef on the move is more your idea of a holiday, a cabin-and-catered Whitsundays sailing experience is just the ticket. The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see wonder of the world.
3. Fiji
"Open for happiness" declares Tourism Fiji's official website. Fiji is a warm gathering of over 330 South Pacific islands is brimming with island fun and relaxation in all its forms of holiday destinations. For an authentic experience, take a guided tour of a local village where you'll be required to offer a gift in a sevusevu (gift giving ceremony) that formally welcomes you into the community. The head of the village will then invite you to a kava drinking ceremony. It's impolite not to accept, and if you're a little shy about experiencing the mesmerising effects of ground kava root, ask for "low tide" and you'll be offered a smaller serving.
2. Bali
The beaches and bustle of Bali are again luring Aussies in by the plane load. But amid the party atmosphere of this Indonesian island, it's easy to forget that Bali has a deeply religious culture. A few tips of local etiquette include not displaying too much skin away from the beach, taking care not to step on offerings of flowers in the street, and not touching people's heads. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience away from the hustle and bustle of the island's hotspots, yoga retreats or surf camps can be booked around the island for a step away from the ordinary.

1. Hawaii
So much more than a handy vacation spot for holiday-makers from North America, East Asia and Australasia, The Hawaiian Islands offer endless adventure, mystique, natural wonders and cultural immersion. The main islands of Ohau, Maui and Kauai have more than enough to see and do for one holiday, so you just need to pick one. Traditional chants describe how ancient ancestors shaped the islands, casting rivers of fire and water down volcanic peaks tipped with snow into the surrounding ocean defended by goddesses of the sea – and you too can become one for a day as you immerse in the rich culture of Hawaii. An eco-tour company on Maui offers mermaid adventures, providing mermaid swim lessons and a mermaid tail.
So many places, so much to see and do, and one life waiting to be changed.
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