Find inspiring locations, hotel reviews, travel advice and more!
by Andrew Bartlett
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We have compiled a selection of top 10 bucket-list places to visit before you die, varying from phenomenal natural wonders to picturesque beaches.
● Lapland, Finland
Visit Lapland in Finland’s northernmost region and witness the natural phenomena that is the northern lights. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, the multi-coloured fusion stretching across the sky is sure to be one to remember.
Remember: Don’t forget to pack your wooly jumpers as temperatures can reach as low as -10 degrees celsius in Winter.
Where to Stay: Admire the starry night sky from a glass igloo in Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Prices start from £160 in low season and £496 in high season.
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● Venice, Italy
This ‘floating city’ comprised of 117 islands is alike no other. Travel by gondola, explore Italian palazzos, shop in boho boutiques and enjoy a coffee in one of the enticing cafes.
Remember: Pack comfy shoes as you are guaranteed to get lost amongst the side streets! Even the most directionally-gifted struggle to navigate around Venice- but you never know, you might stumble upon some hidden gems away from the tourist hotspots.
Where to Stay: The intimate and sumptuous Gritti Palace Hotel overlooks the Grand Canal and is only 5 minutes from St. Mark’s Square. Water-taxi can take you directly to the hotel’s jetty. From £590 per night.
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● Taj Mahal, Agra, India
With millions of visitors every year, a visit to India will be incomplete without seeing one of the most romantic buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal. It took 22 years to build and the level of craftsmanship involved definitely shows in the sheer scale and overwhelming beauty of the building.
Remember: Although tempting, try not to buy souvenirs from Agra as the prices are incredibly marked up.
Where to Stay: If you enjoy the finer things, stay at The Oberi Amarvilas, known as one of the best hotels in India due to its proximity to the Taj Mahal. From £542 per night.
Save up to 50% to India when booking with Hotels.com
● Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
One of the most beloved sites in Europe, as well as the most visited paid tourist attraction in the world, the Eiffel Tower should be on everyone’s travel bucket-list. Enjoy a spot of dinner on the first floor 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant and make sure you walk across the transparent platform 187 feet above ground!
Remember: With millions of visitors every year, the queue to get tickets is often eye-wateringly long. Visit off-peak to ensure a short waiting time or even better, pre-order your tickets online.
Where to Stay: Hotel Fabric is a relaxed yet stylish boutique hotel within walking distance from Canal St. Martin. From £146 per night.
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● Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is a dream destination for most people, and with crystal-clear ocean and complete serenity, who wouldn’t want to visit? Situated in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, you can forget your troubles and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Remember: Don’t expect to be rushed off your feet with the amount of activities on offer here, as most people come purely to relax.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is a family-friendly, five-star resort with an impressive interior. Stay in an overwater bungalow and step straight into the sea from your terrace. From £1003 per night.
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● Machu Picchu, Peru
An exciting and enchanting archaeological site, a trek to Machu Picchu is guaranteed to take your breath away (literally!). The view from the top is truly spectacular and can only truly be appreciated from visiting first-hand.
Remember: Get there early (ideally around 6am) before the crowds turn up and spoil the serene spot.
Where to Stay: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel boasts unspoilt views of the valley and has luxurious interiors. From £268 per night.
Save up to 50% when booking trips to Peru with Booking.com
● Yellowstone National Park, USA
Certainly not a visit for the faint-hearted, this 2.2 million acre national park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and explorers alike, brimming with bears, fauna and geothermal activity. Take a hike or admire the night sky to experience the true beauty of Yellowstone.
Remember: Stop at the visitor centres for educational talks focusing on each specific region to gain a true understanding of the America’s first national park.
Where to Stay: Stay in one of Yellowstone’s lodging facilities- the Old Faithful Inn, believed to be the largest log structure in the world. From $118 per night.
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● Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Teeming with numerous species of fish, whales, turtles and birds, this underwater playground is a natural wonder. Being the largest living structure on earth, you have to see it to appreciate it’s true glory. Snorkel and dive amongst the wildlife for an experience like no other.
Remember: Be mindful of your surroundings- it may be tempting to wander off when snorkeling, but you may get into difficulty very quickly.
Where to Stay: Stay in a Balinese-style villa with hammocks strung out front in Palm Bay Resort, near Airlie Beach. From £103 per night.
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● Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Only a short distance from Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza are a spectacular sight to witness and nothing can beat seeing them with your own eyes. Built over 4,500 year ago, they are one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Remember: Visit in the Winter months when the temperatures are much cooler.
Where to Stay: Hotel Longchamps is a boutique hotel where every room has been designed with pride. From $84 per night.
Save money on flights and hotels when visiting Egypt with Lastminute.com
● Grand Canyon, USA
227 mines long, up to 18 miles wide and 1 miles deep, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking natural formation that is sure to leave any visitor speechless. Embark on a helicopter ride to experience a bird's eye view of the canyon.
Remember: Temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees celsius, so try to go during cooler months.
Where to Stay: Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim offers spacious cabin rental nestled amongst the pines. From £113 per night.
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