The Ultimate Before-30 Travel Bucket List, As Picked By You Wanderers

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Australians are all about travelling. Whether via a gap year (or three), or saving up those annual leave days to get as far away from the office as possible, Aussies love to see what this beautiful world is all about, so it makes perfect sense that you guys, our wonderful readers, picked some truly ripper places you’d love to see before you hit the big 3-0.

Here are the top 30 spots – chosen by you – that everyone should see while they’re in their ~prime~.

(Note: These places are all pretty great and they’ll still let ya in if you’re over 30, so don’t feel excluded, lovely 30-somethings – Get packin’ and show those youngsters what you’re made of.)

Crystal clear water meets glistening sand on a beach in an exposed cove that you can only access by boat? This is some true blue, bucket list stuff. The beach sits on the coast of Zakynthos, in the Ionian Islands of Greece, and is also known as Shipwreck Beach, after an boat that was allegedly smuggling cigarettes was wrecked on the shore in 1893.

Yes. The whole country. When you look at how much history, culture, and incredible sights there are to see, all over the country, the question of “why should I go to Japan?” will fast evolve into “why haven’t I been to Japan yet and how fast can I book my trip?” Be sure to check out the many glorious temples and shrines, the Hiroshima Peace Museum, and the Studio Ghibli Museum.

Seeing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is such a spectacular natural phenomenon that it should be on everyone’s bucket list, pretty much. However, it can be kind of tricky to predict exactly where this crazy display of lights and colour is going to happen. Your safest bets are Svalbard, Norway, Kakslauttanen, Finland, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, Reykjavik, Iceland and northern Canada. You can also check out the Aurora Forecast here.

This small Canadian town is pretty much everything you’d expect from Canada, because look at that scenery. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, Lake Louise should technically be on here twice, as it’s equally as good in summer and winter. Into snowboarding? Wanna learn to ice fish? Lake Louise has you covered for winter activities. Want to hike in a beautiful, relatively quiet location? Lake Louise will have you covered in summer, too. Do you hate outdoor activities but adore the idea of curling up with a good book, sipping a warm bevvi by the fire? There’s an actual IRL chateau you can splurge on. Basically, there’s no reason not to go.

I mean, do we really need to talk you into going to Rome? The history, the culture, the food, Rome literally has it all. You can go for the pasta, people watch some of the world’s most glamorous people while enjoying a slice of pizza, check out the colosseum, and get engrossed in some of the world’s most incredible works of art.

Another location that both needs little introduction and boasts A+ pizza, NYC is where. It’s. At. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with New York, it has it all. You want art? Check out the Metropolian Museum of Art, or the Museum of Modern Art. You want culture? Head to Broadway and catch a show, or snag tickets to your fave late-night show, like Late Night With Jimmy Fallon or even SNL. You want sights? Ever heard of a little thing called the Statue of Liberty? What about the Empire State Building?

The Inca Trail makes the list because it’s one of those experiences that isn’t about ~material things~, it’s all about the ~experience~. Ranked by many as one of the top five treks in the world, the Inca Trail will show you mountains, forests, jungles and more, it’s basically a full-on nature-fest. Aside from that, you can also check out the ruins while on your way to Machu Picchu, the mysterious “Lost City of the Incas“.

Of course the city of love was going to make the list, isn’t it on everyone’s bucket list? Paris is simply a city that has so many draws that it’s hard to settle on just one. It’s the fashion capital of the world. The Eiffel Tower is there, and is anyone’s Instagram truly complete without a shot of it? No, the answer is no. You can become a ~cultured individual~ in just a day with a trip to the Louvre, and then toast to living your best life with a glass of true French champagne, rather than a $6 bottle of Omni. #goals

Ibiza is truly a sight worth seeing while you’re young, because at this point, it’s pretty much synonymous with the biggest names in DJs and clubbing. And yes, that includes Paris Hilton, who’s done multiple DJ residencies at Ibiza club Amnesia. But Ibiza has a lot to offer while the sun is up, too. Obviously, there are beaches, but there’s also shopping, walking trails, and sailing sightseeing trips to take.

Lorde‘s home country has tons to offer. Aside from being the number one tourist destination for all things Tolkien, our neighbours also have a thriving wine industry just waiting for you to tour them, as well as all kinds of activities that will show off the natural wonder of the nation, whether it be skiing, sailing, hiking, or simply wandering around, taking it all in at a regular, human pace.

South Africa is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, which means that it’s home to a majority of the world’s species, and many endangered animals, so obvi, checking out the world-renowned Kruger National Park is a BIG must-see. How big, you ask? 200 million hectares, that’s how big. South Africa also boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, and the Cradle of Humankind, which is home to the richest evidence of human evolution over the past 3.5 million years.

Is daily life getting you down? Fiji is the perfect place to go to unwind and appreciate some of the simpler things in life, like the ~beauty of nature~, which Fiji has in droves, from lagoons, mountains, pine forests and beaches, beaches, beaches. Sip a cocktail, get a massage that lasts for hours, and read all the books you’ve ever wanted on one of the most pristine white sand beaches the world has to offer.

One of the top cenotes the world has to offer, you can swim with the fish, snorkel and just generally live your best life, which is what makes this a top tourist destination. Chilling with turtles in a giant cave with crystal clear water? That’s one for the bucket list, for sure.

Abu Dhabi isn’t afraid to mix progression and traditionalism. It’s the home of the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa at Ferrari World, as well as being home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which has the capacity to hold 41,000 worshippers. There’s also shopping for days, so pack light and keep some room for your purchases in your suitcase.

Ever wanted to take the perfect holiday Insta-snap that will make all your friends green with envy? You could take the worst photo of your life while holidaying in the Maldives and it would still probably be one of the most-liked, most spectacular shots your Insta has ever seen. That’s how pretty the Maldives are. The word “picturesque” was probably created while some wordsmith was sipping a refreshing cocktail on the sand while taking in the landscape.

You may not see the Loch Ness Monster when you visit Scotland, but you will see the grand expanse of the U.K’s northernmost country, and chances are, you’ll want to check out a castle or two while you’re there. Some of the top castles on offer include Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Stirling Castle, and Culzean Castle.

Half built, half carved into Mount Hor, Petra is a true architectural wonder and a must-see for everyone. Poet John William Burgon described it as “a rose-red city half as old as time”, as the stone it’s carved into blushes pink. Remember to bring water and wear comfy shoes, as you’ll be on your feet most of the day.

The Kakslauttanen Igloo West Village is an experience like no other. Sleep in a glass igloo and check out the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed, or take it up a notch, and stay in a snow igloo, which are temperature-controlled at an icy minus-five degrees Celcius. And for your inner child, they also have a complete Santa Home, NBD.

Vietnam is fast becoming a destination that’s all about culinary adventures. Boasting some A+ seafood, and even better street food, you can enjoy all of this and more – affordably – while sipping on rice wine in markets, and relax, while you enjoy your bustling surroundings. Want to see everything? There’s all kinds of tours to take, from walking, to kayaking, to photography tours that will knock your socks off.

If you’re looking for a truly ~cool~, once-in-a-lifetime experience, look no further than Sweden’s ICEHOTEL. This is an entire hotel built out of ice, from the rooms, to the beds, the hotel bar and restaurants – even the glasses visitors drink out of are all carved from ice. Each March, tons of ice is harvested from the Torne River, before being carved into rooms and sculptures by artists asked to do the honours. There are “cool rooms”, sitting at a chilly minus five degrees Celcius, where you sleep on a literal bed of ice, and warm rooms, which offer a toastier night’s sleep. And hey, if you and your boo are feeling the vibe hardcore, you can always get hitched in the Ice Chapel.

Another bucket list essential that has so much to offer that it begs the question “what isn’t there to do in England?” With plenty of sights, like the Tower of London, Big Ben, and THE Buckingham Palace, London is one of the only places where you could, conceivably, pull a Princess Mary and snag yourself a prince. But if you’re not into Harry, there’s still tons to do. With London’s theatre district and the Tate Modern museum, there’s plenty of culture to absorb, or you could check out a rowdy football game if that’s more your noise.

The Philippines are all about offering you dat ~natural beauty~ with spectacular sights including the Mayon Volcano, the Tubbataha Reef, and the Pagsanjan Falls waterfall. There’s also plenty of surfing, walking treks, and diving adventures to be had, so if you’re feelings hella outdoorsy, hit up the Philippines, stat.

Two words. Dracula’s. Castle. Dracula’s actual castle, you guys. The Bran Castle, a.k.a Dracula’s house from Bram Stoker‘s 1893 vampire novel is in Transylvania, but if you’re fangin’ for something a little less vampy, you can just hang out and enjoy the city described as “the last truly medieval landscape in Europe”. You can taste palinc?, the local tipple, which is a brandy fermented from plums, before dinner, or relax in one of the many thermal springs nearby.

Another bucket-list essential, Vegas truly is a giant playground for adults, and offers something for everyone. Into history? Go check out the Titanic exhibition, which displays the largest piece of the ship to be excavated from the site, as well as many other items found amongst the wreckage. Into clubs? Vegas has them in droves, and if you head there at the right time, you might be able to see your fave reality celeb hosting a party in one of them. Into thrills? Jump on the rollercoaster that winds around the New York, New York hotel and check out the scenery as you loop and corkscrew over the Vegas strip. Want to see a show? Well, you can choose from one of the many Cirque Du Soleil shows Vegas has to offer, or you can go see Britney, which TBH is reason enough to go in the first place.

Where Europe and Asia meet, this dynamic city has a lot to offer, both in historic, cultural experiences, and modern, fun times to be had. See where chariots raced in centuries past, and then head out for a fancy modern dinner before hitting the clubs. Istanbul has it all, and if you’re feeling a little worse for wear after all the adventures you’ll surely have, head to a Turkish bath, where you’ll literally be scrubbed down until you’ve got baby soft skin that’ll make you feel like a brand new person.

This vibrant city an an unstoppable force to be reckoned with, and is truly better experienced while young. The party-and-jazz capital of the world has tons to offer, so head down to Bourbon Street for a wild time you won’t soon forget. During the day, eat beignet’s at the world-famous Cafe Du Monde, wander the French Quarter, or head out for the day on a swamp tour to spot some ‘gators.

Singapore is currently experiencing something of a tourism renaissance, and it’s easy to see why. Singapore’s restaurants will satisfy the desires of even your foodiest-foodie friend, and the gargantuan shopping centres will ensure you find souvenirs for everyone and luxury items to #TreatYoSelf with. But that’s far from all. For everyone from the nature lover to the fan of wild, sci-fi architecture, Singapore is sure to deliver.

For a small island, Bora Bora is a paradise that manages to pack quite the entertainment punch. 4×4 safaris? Check. Feed a shark? Check. Diving in a natural, underwater park? Check. And when you can walk literally from your bed to the ocean in just a few steps, the only question is “how fast can I get there”?

Pyramids. The Great Sphinx. The Nile. Egypt has some of the most visually stunning and historically important sights to see. The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, so obvi it’s a must-see destination for anyone who’s dedicated to being well-travelled in life. 

And finally, a destination (or five) that needs no introduction. Release your inner child and visit the happiest place on Earth, any one of the Disney locations around the world. Ride the world-famous rollercoaster, Space Mountain, witness a spectacular fireworks display, and hang out with Mickey and the whole gang. Visit any of ’em, visit all of ’em, for the most wholesome fun you can have in your 20s.