Bucket List Places to Visit During Your 30s

Your travel bucket list during your 30s (and beyond!) will probably look a little different to your 20s. By now, most of us will replace the faster pace backpacking days of our 20s with a desire to explore the unique destinations of the world, and hopefully with a little more cash to splurge on travel. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply have a case of travel wanderlust, this list of 30 bucket list places to visit during your 30s is bound to provide bucket-loads of inspiration!

Total Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: 19/30

Travel Bucket List Experiences

1. Spot Wildlife on Safari in Africa

Even if you’re not an animal lover, spotting ‘the big five’ in the wild on safari will be an experience of a lifetime. Spend your days in an open air jeep tracking and anticipating the next lion, elephant or zebra, and lazy evenings watching epic sunsets with a sundowner drink.

For a first time safari, you can’t beat South Africa with the big five animals, accessible safaris and accommodation ranging from DIY camping to luxury lodges.

For the best wildlife spotting opportunities and a more rugged feel, visit Tanzania or Kenya where you may be lucky enough to witness the great migration crossing the plains and rivers.

For an epic self-drive safari adventure, check out Namibia where you can experience surreal desert scenery, game reserves and adventure activities at your own pace.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: Namibia Self-Drive Safari Itinerary

2. Soar Through the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon

There’s something totally romantic about setting off at dawn to float through the air in a hot air balloon, admire the scenery from above, and finish with a champagne breakfast.

Excellent places to experience a hot air balloon include Cappadocia in Turkey with its famous fairy chimneys (photo above), the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania where you can spot the great migration from above (see Bucket List Item #1) and Bagan in Myanmar where you can float above ancient pagodas (see Bucket List Item #21).

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No … possibly not ever, terrified of falling out of the sky

3. Chase the Northern Lights

Watching the northern lights dance across the sky is a classic bucket list experience. Rug up warm and stay up late and you might just be lucky enough to see otherworldly bursts of colours light up the sky in all shades of blue, green, pink and purple.

The northern lights are best seen in far north destinations including Norway, Iceland, Alaska and northern Canada from around September to April when the lights are long and dark.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes … technically, although the lights weren’t bright

Read More: Visit Yellowknife, Canada’s Northern Lights Capital

4. Float in the Dead Sea 

There’s only one way to describe the feeling of floating in the Dead Sea, and that’s surreal. Or in the infamous words of Notting Hill, surreal but nice.

The Dead Sea is actually a salt lake, and is one of the saltiest water bodies in the world at around 10x the salinity of ocean. As you walk into the Dead Sea, you’ll be gently lifted by the salt and can float with zero effort. For a free spa experience, cake yourself in mud, dry off in the sun, and then rinse in the therapeutic waters for baby soft skin.

The Dead Sea is bordered by Jordan and Israel, is accessible from either country, and is at the lowest elevation on earth.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Jordan

5. Take an Alaskan Cruise

Cruises … some people love ‘em, some people hate ‘em, some people think they’re a little naff. But there’s no doubting that you’ll get the most out of Alaska’s rugged scenery and diverse wildlife from the deck of a ship.

On an Alaskan cruise, you can experience glaciers, visit small towns, spot bears and other wildlife, go kayaking, hike in Denali National Park, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to September, when the weather is the most pleasant. If you want a chance to witness bears fishing for salmon, visit during the warmest (and busiest!) months of July and August.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No

6. Go Wine Tasting

Now that you’re in your 30s, spend a relaxing and classy week wine hopping around one of the world’s beautiful wine regions. (Or party like a 21 year old on a boozy wine tour, no judgement here!)

Wine tasting is both picturesque and fun. Plus, by the time you’ve reached your 30s you’ve hopefully developed a more sophisticated pallet and appreciate the good stuff.

An awesome thing about wine tasting is that most people can indulge close to home or, if you prefer, you can visit a premier wine region on the other side of the world.

The world’s best wine tasting destinations include the Napa Valley USA, Marlborough New Zealand, Margaret River Australia, Bordeaux France, Tuscany Italy and Cape Town South Africa.

You can even try one of the world’s lesser known wineries, like Red Mountain Winery in Inle Lake, Myanmar … no guarantees about taste though!

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes … several times over!

Read More: 20+ Beautiful Wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

7. Take a Multi-Day Hike Through the Desert 

The African desert somehow manages to be both barren and incredibly beautiful at the same time. While you can experience the desert from your jeep or car, you’ll be much more immersed in nature and removed from daily life if you explore the desert on foot.

Namibia is the perfect country for taking a multi-day guided hike through the desert, without forsaking creature comforts and with just a little luxe. For something really special, join the Tok Tokkie Trails three day / two night hike through the breathtaking Namib Desert where you sleep under the stars but with eco-luxe comforts, three course meals with drinks and a hot bucket shower.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: Tok Tokkie Trails Hike, Namibia | Trans-Kalahari Walk, Namibia

8. Travel Solo

The AF travelling solo in a favela overlooking Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The thought of travelling solo may feel a little uncomfortable and even daunting at first. But travelling solo is actually one of the most liberating and empowering experiences you’ll ever have. Plus, if you feel a little lonely, it’s pretty easy to make friends by rocking up to the local bar, especially if you’re in a tourist area!

Dip your toes into solo travel by taking a relaxing weekend trip near home. Once you’re more comfortable, why not take your dream trip that none of your friends are down for?

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

9. Fly First Class or Business Class

Yeah yeah we know, flying is expensive enough as is, and it’s really just a means to an end. However, if you want to take a literal reading of the phrase ‘it’s about the journey not the destination’, then you HAVE to indulge in a long-haul first class or business class flight at least once in your life.

Forking out for luxury travel is beyond most of us. The most cost effective way to travel first or business class is to save up your flight or credit card points and splurge on an upgrade. Champagne here you come!

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Travel Bucket List Destinations

10. Drive the Ring Road in Iceland

Iceland is a country of incredible natural beauty, with active volcanoes, rugged mountains, soaring glaciers, the blue lagoon, spectacular waterfalls, the northern lights, stunning hiking trails … the list goes on.

The best way to see Iceland is to hire a car and drive the Ring Road. The Ring Road circles the entire country and is around 1300 km / 800 miles. While it’s possible to drive the Ring Road in a couple of days, it’s best to take a week or two to explore the natural wonders that Iceland has to offer.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No

11. Step Back in Time in Havana, Cuba

Havana-oh-na-na, half of my heart is in Havana-oh-na-na. Yup, as the song goes, Havana will absolutely capture your heart with its time warp feel, friendly locals and complex revolutionary history.

Havana is one of the best preserved Spanish colonial cities in all of Latin America. The city is packed to the brim with colourful and slightly dilapidated colonial buildings, grand palaces, ancient forts, narrow alleyways and classic cars. Havana is equal parts chaotic and laid-back, but always vibrant and welcoming.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: 30 Awesome Things to Do in Havana, Cuba

12. Get Adventurous in Patagonia

Patagonia is a rugged and remote wilderness region in southern Chile and Argentina, and is one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

The highlights of Patagonia include quiet solitude, magnificent glaciers, mountain peaks, scenic lakes, epic multi-day treks, whale watching and horse-back riding. Life is tough.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No

13. Take a Boat Trip Around the Galápagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, which are famous for their unique wildlife and landscapes.

These islands are a bucket list destination for good reason: the Galápagos Islands is home to endemic species that you’ll find nowhere else in the world, including species of giant tortoise, iguana and sea lion. The wildlife of the Galapagos has absolutely flourished and evolved with little human presence and no major predators. In fact, the Galápagos Islands made a major contribution to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

A popular way to explore the Galápagos Islands is to take a multi-day cruise around the islands. Galapagos National Park regulates the number and type of boats to minimise the impact on the environment.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No

14. Drive Around New Zealand in a Campervan

New Zealand’s scenery is nothing short of drop dead stunning. (Yes, I grew up in NZ. No, I didn’t know how beautiful it was. Yes, I mainly complained about long car trips and windy roads.)

New Zealand’s South Island is famous for its dramatic mountains, stunning lakes and incredible scenery at every turn. Conversely, the North Island is home to beautiful beaches, geothermal and volcanic activity and National Parks.

New Zealand is one country where it really is about the journey and not the destination. Hire a campervan to make the most of NZ’s spectacular scenery, and park up to sleep in some of the most beautiful spots on earth.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No … several trips around NZ but none in a campervan!

15. Take an Epic USA Road Trip

It’s an oldie but a goodie. Hire a car, grab a map, plan a rough route and set out for an epic road trip adventure across the diverse nation that is the U-S-of-A.

There’s something for everyone here. Drive the classic Route 66, California’s Pacific Coast Highway or the Hana Highway in Hawaii, explore the beautiful National Parks of Utah and Colorado, check out the fall foliage on the East Coast, get acquainted with the Deep South or invent your own adventure!

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No

16. Journey Through Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian Railway is an overland train adventure across Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok of epic proportions. At over 9,200 kilometres / 5,700 miles and around 6 days non-stop, this is no walk in the park.

Better yet, take a rest from the monotony of the train and have a few exploration stops along the way. Popular stops include beautiful Lake Baikal, historic Yekaterinburg, industrial Kazan, bustling Moscow, and an extension to cosmopolitan St Petersburg.

Alternate trains routes are the Trans-Mongolian route which cuts from Ulan Ude in Russia to take in Mongolia and Beijing, and the Trans-Manchurian route that goes further through Russia before crossing Chinese Manchuria to Beijing.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No

17. Visit all 7 Continents

For the hardcore traveler, explore the four corners of our incredibly diverse world or, in this case, the 7 continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia (or Oceania), Europe, North America, and South America.

Each of the world’s continents has unique cultures, history, landscapes and peoples, and deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No (and possibly not ever … have visited 6/7 but the thought of crossing the treacherous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica gives me a serious case of hives)

18. Visit One New Country Every Year

Next country on The AF’s bucket list … Spain. Believe it or not, I’ve visited over 40 countries but Spain is not one of them!

Now that you’re a frequent traveler, it can be tempting to return to your favorite haunts where you have a sense of familiarity. Before your get too comfortable, why not maintain that spirit of adventure and wanderlust by committing to visit a new country every year. The world is your oyster after all!

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Travel Bucket List Monuments

19. Trek Around the Lost City of Petra in Jordan

That moment where you catch your first glimpse of the magnificent Petra Treasury peaking through the soaring canyon walls of the siq will be one of the most memorable travel experiences of your life.

Petra was the ancient Nabatean capital for centuries from around the 4th century BC. The city was largely lost to the world after being destroyed by an earthquake, until it was discovered by a British explorer in 1812.

Petra is now a massive archeological site and is remarkably well preserved. It’s full of architectural gems like the famed Treasury and Monastery, a Roman theatre, extravagant tombs, a colonnaded street, plus many temples and other structures. 

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Petra, Jordan

20. Explore the Temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia

The temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia are some of the most impressive temples you’ll see in your life. Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple in the 12th century, and was converted into a Buddhist temple later that century. In fact, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world,

While most famous for the eponymous Angkor Wat, the Angkor Archeological Park is actually a massive area with over 1000 temples dating from the 9th to 13th centuries.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

21. Visit The Magical Temples of Bagan in Myanmar 

Bagan is an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site where the countryside is dotted with hundreds of magical pagodas and stupas (aka temples).

Amble around the countryside exploring temples on a bike, take a hot air balloon over the temples at dawn, or simply relax along the river soaking in the serenity.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: 10 Day Myanmar Itinerary

22. Soak in the Romantic Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a majestic white marble mausoleum which was commissioned by an emperor in the 17th century to house the tomb of his favourite wife.

Incredibly romantic and of grand proportions, the Taj is one of the most beautiful and impressive buildings in the entire world, and is absolutely a travel bucket list destination.

The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India, around 220 kilometres / 135 miles from Delhi. While you’re there, don’t miss the imposing Agra Fort and Itmad-un-Dahlan, aka the ‘baby Taj Mahal’.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

23. See the Churches of Lalibela Ethiopia

Lalibela in northern Ethiopia is home to magnificent medieval rock-hewn churches that were made in the 13th century. Each church was carved underground from a single massive piece of rock. Impressive indeed.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No

24. Marvel at the New World Wonder Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan civilisation, and is one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. Chichen Itza is easily accessible from the boho-beach town of Tulum Mexico.

The highlight of Chichen Itza is the Pyramid of Kukulcan with its mathematically correct proportions. The pyramid has four faces, with 91 steps on each face, and 1 top step, adding up to 365 days of the year.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: Best Things to do in Tulum, Mexico

25. Walk the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of wall like fortifications winding up and down China, which were built to protect the country over many centuries starting from around 700BC.

The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stretches to around 22,000 kilometres or 13,000 miles. The most accessible sections of the wall are near Beijing.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: No

Travel Bucket List Accommodation 

26. Swim Off Your Overwater Bungalow

Our row of villas at Mirihi Island Resort, Maldives!

A common feature on travel bucket lists is to stay in a luxury overwater villa. Imagine waking up each day to the water softly lapping against your private balcony, swimming directly from your room with tropical fishes, and watching the sun go down directly over the water.

You’ll find some of the best overwater bungalows in the world in the Maldives and Tahiti. They don’t come cheap at often over $1000 / night, but this is one trip that you’ll absolutely remember for a lifetime.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: Stay in an Overwater Bungalow in the Maldives 

27. Stay in a 5* City Hotel

At least once in your life, indulge yourself by staying in a luxury city hotel. Start your day with a full buffet breakfast, explore the city by day and retreat at night to room service, plush robes and 1000 thread count sheets.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

28. Go Luxury Glamping

Glamping at Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls, ZImbabwe

Yup, that’s right. Glamping. Not camping. Aka, ‘glamorous camping’. Now before you scoff at that, picture this: a sturdy canvas tent with a comfy queen size bed, fully functioning bathroom, little luxe touches, delicious meals shared with other guests and often a beautiful outlook over nature. And no putting up your own tent!

Glamping has long been the flashpacker’s way of going on safari in Africa. However, these days glamping is popping up all over the globe, from New Zealand to India. In fact, there may even be glamping near you!

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: Namibia Travel Guide

29. Rent Out a Villa with Friends

As you get older more experienced, one of life’s absolute pleasures is spending quality time with good friends and family. Why not make a holiday of it and rent out an entire villa for your group?!

While this may sound a little indulgent, renting a villa can actually be surprisingly good value. For beach bums, check out the laid-back luxe villas in Bali, Indonesia. For wine buffs, why not rent a castle style villa in the Tuscan countryside.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

30. Camp with the Bedouins in the Desert

Bedouins are nomadic Arabic people who live in the deserts of the Middle East and Northern Africa. Many Bedouins now make a living as desert guides or by running Bedouin camps where you can experience traditional Bedouin life in the desert.

One of the most popular and accessible places to stay in a Bedouin camp is in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. The desert is dotted with Bedouin camps tucked away in the dramatic rocks and moon-like scenery.

While you’re at camp, explore the desert wilderness in a Jeep tour or take a romantic camel ride through the desert. At night, experience a traditional Bedouin meal cooked beneath the ground and spot starts in the dark night sky.

Ticked Off The AF’s Bucket List: Yes

Read More: Stay in a Bedouin Camp in Wadi Rum, Jordan

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