The Ultimate Bucket List: Our Top 40 Travel Destinations

Pinning it down just isn't as easy as it seems. So, to help things along we've arranged 40 of the best travel destinations into five "buckets", each with its own vibe or genre if we want to stretch the music metaphor a little further.

Amid the stunning beaches and bustle, it's easy to forget that Bali can be enjoyed at any pace. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience away from the island's hotspots, yoga retreats, boutique hotels or surf camps can be booked around the island for a step away from the ordinary.

"Open for happiness" declares Tourism Fiji's official website. Fiji is a warm gathering of over 330 South Pacific islands brimming with island fun and relaxation with some of the best resort kids clubs in the world. 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.

Thailand's largest island is a beach-goer's paradise famous for its bluffy, steep islets and vibrant nightlife. Head south for the best beach action, but if you like a bit of tranquillity with your siestas on the sand, head for the northern end.

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 sparkling coastline, lush rainforest, and white sand beaches, Tahiti is definitely a slice of paradise to add to your bucket list.

Kia orana! The friendly, laid back atmosphere of the Cook Islands make each day in this Pacific paradise a gem. Muri lagoon on the chief island of Rarotonga offers beautiful beaches and the best snorkelling experiences. Swim around the motu (the islets of Taakoka, Koromiri, Oneroa and Motutapu) and out towards the reef where you can expect to meet a variety of tropical fish.

Being an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, it's no surprise that the Philippines have many 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 vibrant 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.

The 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.

Cancún is where the sights and smells of Mexico meet the partying Caribbean, ancient Mayan monuments meet sandy white beaches, and hotel prices become more reasonable once the Spring break crowds disperse through April.

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 sleep beneath this eye-popping polar light show and the stunning landscape in the warmth of your glamp-bed. Then at the break of day you can try ice fishing!

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 trendy cafe 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. The city blooms with art and architecture and the Austrian countryside abounds with alpine wonder: naturally beautiful lakes, forests, rolling hills and mountainous terrain all begging to be explored.

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 Rocky Mountains 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 make this a haven for nature lovers.

Winter in Aotearoa delivers the best skiing in the Southern Hemisphere with downhill runs as spectacular as the alpine scenery in the adventure capital of Queenstown. In summer, swap your skis for hiking boots. Ample road trip opportunities open hiking adventures in Tongariro National Park in the North Island and Fiordland National Park in New Zealand's South Island - home to Milford Sound, one of the world's greatest natural wonders.

Donkey trekking isn't something you'd normally associate with this iconic alpine enclave of neutrality, watchmaking and chocolate box villages.  But in an age of eco-tourism and authentic experiences, learning “donkey knowledge” and taking the kids bare-back along winding trails in places such as the mountainous Toggenburg region is a fantastic way to experience Switzerland. You'll also make friends with some of the most good-natured creatures on the planet.

With its massive 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.

Start your journey with a safari in Kruger National Park, where the "Big Five" act as the local welcoming committee and the sunsets are move-your-soul spectacular. When you’ve had your fill of the bush, head to the coast to experience the iconic Table Mountain keeping watch over Cape Town’s vibrant harbour.

With 83 islands awash with lush beaches and natural beauty, and a people alive in their untainted kastom or culture, Vanuatu is an adventurer's dream. From kava to lava, it’s a place where you can trek through ancient rainforests one minute and stand on the rim of the world’s most accessible active volcano, Mt Yasur, the next. 

After a few days navigating the labyrinthine passages and smoky souks of Marrakesh (bartering for rugs, lamps and local produce), take a breath of fresh on a hike through the rocky terrain and villages of the Atlas Mountains, sip a hot flask of mint tea, and give this experience your most heartfelt tick. 

White sandy beaches in the heart of the Indian Ocean, 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, luxury resorts to mountain biking, a holiday in Mauritius comes in many flavours.

A slice of tropical paradise awaits in the heart of our very own Whitsunday Islands just off the coast of Queensland.  From high-end luxurious hotels to couples' only escapes and family holiday homes, there's no shortage of places to stay on Hamilton Island. But if hopping between islets, bays and countless dive spots of the Great Barrier Reef is more your idea of a holiday, a cabin-and-catered Whitsundays sailing experience is just the ticket.

Türkiye provides you a unique meeting point between Asia and Europe. For centuries, cultures from both continents have found a way of living and thriving in this land of myriad experiences. From the sandy beaches of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast, to the ski fields of Anatolia and the mosques, churches and thriving street food and art scene of Istanbul, Turkey has a lot going on.

Our sophisticated quiet achiever of the south offers a vast expanse of raw wilderness and a capital that rivals most Australian cities for beaty. Adelaide serves as your refined gateway, a "20-minute city" where a world-class vineyard or a glorious beach is never more than half an hour away. Beyond the city limits, the landscape reveals a rich Indigenous history and the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges. Whether you're sipping bold Barossa Shiraz or exploring Kangaroo Island, this state is a powerhouse in its own right.

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, colourful buildings and barefoot luxury, making it one of our favourite holiday destinations.

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 world class museums, pristine forest hikes and a delectable bar and food scene.

From the land that gave us Lego, Denmark is routinely voted among the top five happiest countries in the world by the people who decide such things (it's currently number two). Its capital Copenhagen has a romantic and historical vibe with fairy-tale castles, narrow cobblestone streets and colourful timber houses. Museums, galleries and the Danish royal residence of Amalienborg, add to its cultural richness

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.

Capital cities don't get more open and welcoming than Berlin. Embracing diversity is a way of life in a city that celebrates its thriving LGBTIQA+ communities with a host of specialty bars, clubs and the Schwules Museum promoting tolerance and inclusiveness. Culture and grand architecture abound in this vibrant metropolis. Meanwhile, Munich holds a special place in the hearts of Australians for having invented the biergarten. For beer lovers and everyone else, the Bavarian capital offers a taste of old-world Europe from stately architecture to picturesque, forested surrounds full of hiking trails.

You’ll want a sturdy pair of walking shoes for this hilly, high-tech playground. San Francisco is a city of sharp contrasts, where vintage cable cars rattle past billionaire-backed start-ups and the Pacific fog—affectionately named Karl—routinely obscures your view of the Golden Gate Bridge. From the technicolour "Painted Ladies" of Alamo Square to the sprawling greenery of the Presidio and the sourdough scents of Fisherman’s Wharf, the "City by the Bay" offers an eclectic mix of Victorian charm and modern grit.

Interestingly, while around 27% of Ireland lives in its capital, only 10% of the nation's pubs are found there. So, while sipping a pint of Guinness in a Dublin pub might have bucket list appeal, don't miss out on the distinct character of this vibrant city – from its cosmopolitan cafes, restaurants and bars to its historic sights along the ancient Dubline trail. All served up with traditional Irish craic of course.

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.

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 its ancient ruins 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.

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.

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 rich 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.

The City of Light is perhaps the most visited destination in the world. No wonder so many of its sights and attractions are the centre-piece of countless brag-worthy travel stories: the Tour Eiffel, Norte-Dame cathedral, the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe … then of course there's those vineyards and fine dining.

The perfect mix of old and new, London has something for everyone. Discover the brutal history of the Tower of London and take a walk along the vibrant South Bank. Admire the views of the city's iconic skyline from Greenwich Park and be sure to ride a double-decker bus while you're there.

Big, busy, flashy, traditional, modern and quirky – Tokyo has many faces. Get into otaku culture and check out the anime and manga specialty stores in Akiba near the city centre. For the best seafood and sushi restaurants head to the districts of Tsukiji or Ginza, or take an inner-city breather in the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens.

Ho Chi Minh City is a treat for the senses, where French colonial elegance meets a relentless, modern energy. Beneath the shade of soaring tamarind trees, you’ll discover the ornate Saigon Central Post Office and hidden incense-filled pagodas tucked behind sleek skyscrapers. The city’s heartbeat is found on the footpaths, where the aroma of brewing Vietnamese coffee and sizzling banh mi invites you to pull up a stool.

With more skyscrapers and multimillionaires than New York, the Hong Kong skyline is impressive.  Long a financial hub at the foot of an enterprising China, the city oozes confidence, wealth and all the trappings of a hyper-modern city. Hong Kong's outlying hinterland reveals many ironies – particularly the 34-metre bronze Buddha that invites onlookers to free themselves of material desire as it sits sedately beside Po Lin Monastery.

With the most dazzling skyline in the Middle East, 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.

Visiting the Lion City off the southern tip of Malaysia generally isn't cheap. But the food is – you can even devour the world's cheapest Michelin-starred dish in an unassuming hawker centre. Singapore is notoriously clean and orderly. Watch for strictly enforced laws against spitting, jaywalking and connecting to someone else's Wifi.

Both Amsterdam and The Hague have the honour of being the Dutch capital. It's a complicated relationship, but the ever-resourceful Netherlands make it work.  So, while the serious business of legislation and governance is left to The Hague, Amsterdam has the fun job of being the nation's cultural capital and home to its eclectic food and art scene. Its quirky museums are a highlight.  What to visit first: the Cheese Museum?  the Museum of Bags and Purses? or De Kattenkabinet (the Cat Cabinet)?