35 Once-in-a-Lifetime Destinations You Should Visit Before It’s Too Late

Have you ever stood somewhere so beautiful that time seemed to stop? I have. Multiple times, actually. And I’m still chasing that feeling.

Some destinations don’t just take your breath away, they change you. They make you see the world differently, question what you thought you knew, and leave you with stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life. These aren’t your average vacation spots. They’re the places that justify saving up, splurging a little (or a lot), and finally checking off that bucket list.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience many of these extraordinary places firsthand. From hiking ancient trails in the Andes to watching the northern lights dance across Arctic skies, each destination taught me something new about our incredible planet. Today, I’m sharing 35 once-in-a-lifetime travel destinations that are worth every penny, every hour on a plane, and every moment of anticipation.

Whether you’re dreaming of remote wilderness adventures or luxurious tropical escapes, this guide will help you plan your next big trip.

Table of Contents:

1. Machu Picchu, Peru
2. Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
4. Meteora, Greece
5. Cappadocia, Turkey
6. Antarctica
7. Petra, Jordan
8. Serengeti Migration, Tanzania
9. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
10. Madagascar
11. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
12. Iceland
13. Lofoten Islands, Norway
14. Masai Mara, Kenya
15. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
16. Faroe Islands
17. Svalbard, Norway
18. Santorini, Greece
19. Wadi Rum, Jordan
20. Zanzibar, Tanzania
21. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
22. Chilean Patagonia
23. Dead Sea, Jordan/Israel
24. Alaska, USA
25. Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto, Japan
26. Namibian Desert
27. New Zealand South Island
28. Maldives
29. Giza Pyramids Complex, Egypt
30. Amazon Rainforest
31. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
32. Okavango Delta, Botswana
33. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
34. Grand Canyon, Arizona
35. Seychelles

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35 Once-in-a-Lifetime Travel Destinations

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

When I first glimpsed Machu Picchu emerging from the morning mist after hiking the Inca Trail, I understood why people call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This 15th-century citadel sits high in the Andes Mountains, perched on a mountain ridge at nearly 8,000 feet.

The four-day trek through cloud forests and mountain passes tests your endurance, but reaching the Sun Gate at dawn makes every step worthwhile. Alpacas wander freely among ancient stone temples and agricultural terraces, while towering Andean peaks protect this sacred site just as they shielded it from Spanish invaders centuries ago.

Best time to visit: April to October (dry season) Pro tip: Book your Inca Trail permits at least six months in advance, as daily entries are limited.

2. Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway

Watching the northern lights dance across the Arctic sky was surreal. I bundled up in layers of thermal gear and ventured out on a traditional Sami reindeer sled, the only sounds being the soft crunch of snow and my own racing heartbeat.

The sky started subtly, a faint green glow on the horizon. Then suddenly, ribbons of emerald, violet, and blue light began swirling overhead in patterns that defied imagination. No photograph can capture the movement, the scale, the feeling of witnessing nature’s most spectacular light show.

Best time to visit: September to March (polar night season) Pro tip: Stay at least 3-4 nights to increase your chances of clear skies.

3. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands feel like stepping into a nature documentary where you’re the only human observer. Wildlife here has no fear of people, which creates remarkably intimate encounters.

I stepped directly from my small expedition boat onto volcanic beaches where marine iguanas sunbathed in massive piles, completely unbothered by my presence. While snorkeling, playful sea lions spun and twisted around me like underwater acrobats, while Galápagos penguins darted past hunting for fish. Giant tortoises some over 100 years old lumbered through the highlands, munching on vegetation.

Best time to visit: December to May (warm season) or June to November (dry season) Pro tip: Book a small ship cruise for the best wildlife access and expert naturalist guides.

4. Meteora, Greece

I climbed centuries-old stone staircases carved directly into massive rock pillars to reach the monasteries of Meteora, which literally translates to “suspended in air.” These Eastern Orthodox monasteries perch atop towering sandstone formations that seem to defy gravity.

Inside these sacred spaces, Orthodox monks have prayed continuously since the 14th century. The walls are covered in Byzantine frescoes, their colors still vivid after hundreds of years. Looking down from windows where supplies were once hauled up in baskets offers vertigo-inducing views across the Thessaly valley.

Best time to visit: April to June or September to October Pro tip: Visit at sunset when the rocks glow golden and most tour groups have left.

5. Cappadocia, Turkey

Rising before dawn in Cappadocia was challenging, but the moment my hot air balloon lifted off, I forgot about the early wake-up call. As we floated above the landscape of “fairy chimneys”, cone-shaped rock formations created by ancient volcanic eruptions hundreds of other colorful balloons filled the sky around us.

Later that day, I explored underground cities carved into soft volcanic rock, where early Christians hid from Roman persecution. These subterranean complexes included living quarters, churches, wine cellars, and ventilation shafts, some extending eight levels deep.

Best time to visit: April to June or September to November Pro tip: Book your balloon ride for your first morning in case weather cancels flights on subsequent days.

6. Antarctica

Crossing the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica meant two days of rough seas, but entering the Antarctic Peninsula felt like arriving at another planet. Colossal tabular icebergs some the size of small cities, drifted past our expedition ship in silent majesty.

I kayaked through brash ice as leopard seals hunted penguins that porpoised through the frigid water. Stepping onto the seventh continent, I heard nothing but wind, cracking ice, and the distinctive calls of thousands of penguins. It’s the most pristine wilderness left on Earth, and few humans will ever set foot here.

Best time to visit: November to March (Antarctic summer) Pro tip: Choose an expedition ship with Zodiac excursions and kayaking opportunities for the most immersive experience.

7. Petra, Jordan

Walking through the narrow Siq canyon toward Petra, anticipation builds with every step. Then suddenly, through a gap in the rocks, the Treasury appears, an entire facade carved directly into the rose-red cliff face over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataean people.

I spent hours exploring this ancient trading city, climbing hundreds of steps to reach the Monastery (even more impressive than the Treasury, in my opinion). Bedouin vendors offered sweet mint tea along routes that once connected vast empires.

Best time to visit: March to May or September to November Pro tip: Start your day early to see the Treasury without crowds, then explore deeper into Petra when tour groups arrive.

8. Serengeti Migration, Tanzania

Witnessing the Serengeti migration river crossing was one of the most intense wildlife experiences of my life. I watched, breathless, as thousands of wildebeest gathered at the riverbank, hesitating before plunging into crocodile-infested waters.

The chaos was extraordinary, animals splashing, climbing over each other, some not making it across. It’s nature at its most raw and real. We tracked the migration across golden savannah from a mobile camp that moved with the herds, falling asleep to the sounds of lions roaring in the distance.

Best time to visit: July to October for river crossings Pro tip: Stay in mobile camps that follow the migration for front-row access to the action.

9. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Nothing prepared me for the otherworldly landscape of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. This vast salt flat becomes a perfect mirror during the rainy season, reflecting the sky so flawlessly that you can’t tell where earth ends and heaven begins.

I took perspective-bending photos across this white expanse, playing with the optical illusions created by the flat terrain. At night, I slept in a hotel built entirely of salt blocks, then stargazed under skies so clear that the Milky Way stretched from horizon to horizon.

Best time to visit: December to March for mirror effect, or May to October for dry salt crust Pro tip: Book a multi-day tour that includes colored lagoons and rock formations in the surrounding desert.

10. Madagascar

Madagascar is like nowhere else on Earth, 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else on the planet. I trekked through rainforests where lemurs leaped between trees, their distinctive calls echoing through the canopy.

The tsingy formations were unlike anything I’d seen before, razor-sharp limestone pinnacles that slash boots and clothing. Hidden within these stone forests are pockets of unique flora and fauna that have evolved in complete isolation.

Best time to visit: April to October (dry season) Pro tip: Hire local guides who can spot camouflaged chameleons and nocturnal lemurs you’d otherwise miss.

11. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Descending into the clear waters of the Coral Sea at the Great Barrier Reef felt like entering an underwater city. Coral formations in every color imaginable housed thousands of marine species, from tiny clownfish to massive manta rays.

I flew over the reef in a helicopter to see the famous heart-shaped formations and the perfectly swirled white sands of Whitehaven Beach. One night, I slept on a pontoon moored directly over the reef, the only sounds being gentle waves and my own sense of wonder.

Best time to visit: June to October Pro tip: Visit the Outer Reef sites rather than inner reef areas for better visibility and healthier coral.

12. Iceland

Iceland packs an incredible variety of landscapes into a small island. I walked between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, hiked across black sand beaches with basalt columns, and soaked in geothermal lagoons surrounded by steaming lava fields.

Watching powerful geysers erupt was thrilling, I stood close enough to feel the spray on my face as superheated water shot 100 feet into the air. In winter, I searched for the northern lights, and in summer, I experienced the midnight sun that never fully sets.

Best time to visit: September to March for northern lights, or June to August for midnight sun Pro tip: Rent a car and drive the Ring Road for the most comprehensive Iceland experience.

13. Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands look like they belong in a fantasy novel. I drove winding coastal roads where dramatic mountains plunge straight into fjords, stayed in traditional red fishermen’s cabins called rorbuer, and hiked to pristine Arctic beaches with impossibly turquoise water.

In summer, the midnight sun creates surreal golden light at 2 AM. In winter, the same locations become perfect spots for northern lights photography, with snow-covered peaks reflecting the Aurora’s green glow.

Best time to visit: May to September for midnight sun, or September to March for northern lights Pro tip: Book accommodation well in advance, especially for summer months when hotels fill up quickly.

14. Masai Mara, Kenya

Floating in a hot air balloon at dawn over the Masai Mara, I had a bird’s-eye view of thousands of animals spread across the endless savannah. Herds of elephants moved like slow-motion waves across the grasslands, while giraffes browsed on acacia trees.

On the ground, I tracked the “Big Five” with expert Maasai guides who shared generations of knowledge about their ancestral lands. Their ability to read tracks, identify animal calls, and locate elusive leopards was impressive. At night, I fell asleep in my luxury tented camp to the sounds of hyenas calling.

Best time to visit: July to October for the Great Migration Pro tip: Choose a conservancy outside the main reserve for fewer tourists and more exclusive wildlife encounters.

15. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

The thundering roar of Victoria Falls can be heard from miles away. I flew over this massive curtain of water in a helicopter to grasp its true scale, over a mile wide, dropping 354 feet into the Zambezi Gorge below.

At ground level, I stood at the edge of “Devil’s Pool” during low water season, where a natural rock barrier creates a swimming spot right at the lip of the falls. The adrenaline rush of looking over the edge into the churning waters below was unforgettable.

Best time to visit: February to May for maximum flow, or September to December for Devil’s Pool Pro tip: Stay on the Zambian side for better views and easier access to Devil’s Pool.

16. Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands feel like the edge of the world. I explored dramatic landscapes of sheer cliffs plunging into the North Atlantic, stayed in villages of grass-roofed houses nestled between fjords, and took a wooden boat through sea caves where towering rock walls created cathedral-like acoustics.

Thousands of seabirds nest on these cliffs, their calls echoing across the water. The weather changes dramatically from hour to hour, creating moody, mystical conditions perfect for photography.

Best time to visit: June to August Pro tip: Rent a car and drive the tunnels connecting islands for maximum flexibility and stunning views.

17. Svalbard, Norway

In Svalbard, polar bears outnumber humans, and that alone tells you something about this remote Arctic archipelago. I journeyed through pristine wilderness by dogsled, experiencing the polar night when darkness reigns for months.

These conditions create perfect opportunities for northern lights viewing, with the Aurora dancing across skies unpolluted by artificial light. I visited the Global Seed Vault buried deep in permafrost before sailing past massive glaciers where calving ice thundered across still Arctic waters.

Best time to visit: February to March for polar night and northern lights, or June to August for midnight sun and wildlife Pro tip: Book an expedition cruise for the best chance of spotting polar bears in their natural habitat.

18. Santorini, Greece

Wandering through Santorini’s white-washed villages perched along volcanic caldera cliffs, I felt like I was walking through a postcard. The iconic blue-domed churches and cubic buildings cling to cliffs rising 1,000 feet from the Aegean Sea.

I watched as the sunset transformed the buildings from white to golden to deep orange, dining on terraces carved directly into the mountainside. The volcanic beaches with their black and red sand are unlike any others I’ve visited.

Best time to visit: April to June or September to October Pro tip: Stay in Oia for the famous sunsets, but explore Imerovigli and Firostefani for fewer crowds and equally stunning views.

19. Wadi Rum, Jordan

Exploring Wadi Rum’s vast red desert landscape by camel felt timeless, like traveling through a landscape that hasn’t changed in millennia. I slept in a transparent bubble tent, lying in bed and watching perfect star-filled skies overhead.

The Bedouin hospitality was remarkable. I shared meals cooked underground in the sand (called zarb), surrounded by towering sandstone formations that glow crimson at sunset. Lawrence of Arabia filmed here, and it’s easy to see why the landscape is cinematic in every direction.

Best time to visit: March to May or September to November Pro tip: Book at least one night in a bubble tent or Bedouin camp to experience the desert stars.

20. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Getting lost in Stone Town’s labyrinthine streets in Zanzibar was one of my favorite travel experiences. Ornately carved doors, each one unique hint at centuries of trade between Africa, Arabia, and India.

I sailed on traditional wooden dhows at sunset across crystal-clear waters, with fresh seafood grilling onboard. The spice plantations tour revealed why Zanzibar was called the “Spice Islands,” and the beaches on the east coast rival any in the world.

Best time to visit: June to October Pro tip: Spend at least two nights in Stone Town before heading to the beaches to appreciate the island’s rich history.

21. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Following wooden boardwalks through Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, I walked right next to waterfalls that sprayed mist in every direction. Sixteen terraced lakes connect via hundreds of cascading waterfalls, creating a fairytale landscape.

The mineral-rich waters create striking turquoise hues that change throughout the day depending on light conditions and cloud cover. In autumn, the surrounding forests turn golden and red, adding another layer of beauty.

Best time to visit: May to June or September to October Pro tip: Enter through Entrance 2 and start with the lower lakes to avoid crowds.

22. Chilean Patagonia

Chile offers incredible diversity, from the driest desert on Earth to pristine Patagonian wilderness. In the Atacama Desert, I stargazed under some of the clearest skies in the world, where the Milky Way was visible with the naked eye.

In Torres del Paine National Park, I hiked to see the stunning granite towers rising from the landscape, kayaked through the marble caves of General Carrera Lake where the rock swirls in patterns of blue and white, and felt small beneath the massive Grey Glacier.

Best time to visit: October to April for Patagonia, year-round for Atacama Pro tip: Book Torres del Paine accommodations and permits months in advance, especially for the W Trek.

23. Dead Sea, Jordan/Israel

Floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea’s mineral-laden waters was a surreal sensation. My body bobbed like a cork at the lowest point on Earth’s surface, and no amount of effort could make me sink.

I covered myself with the famous black mud, rich with minerals that have drawn visitors seeking therapeutic benefits for thousands of years. The otherworldly landscape surrounding this salt lake adds to the sense of being somewhere truly unique.

Best time to visit: March to May or September to November Pro tip: Bring water shoes as the salt crystals on the shore can be sharp, and shower immediately after to avoid skin irritation.

24. Alaska, USA

Alaska’s wilderness is vast and raw in a way that’s hard to comprehend until you’re there. I kayaked beside massive glaciers where chunks of ancient blue ice crashed into the sea with sounds like thunder.

Cruising through pristine fjords, I spotted humpback whales breaching and brown bears fishing for salmon along rocky shorelines. The state contains 17 of North America’s 20 highest peaks, and hiking beneath them made me feel wonderfully insignificant.

Best time to visit: May to September Pro tip: Combine a cruise with land-based adventures in Denali for the most comprehensive Alaska experience.

25. Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto, Japan

Strolling beneath tunnels of cherry trees in full bloom along Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path was magical. Falling petals created swirling pink snow around ancient temples and shrines, and I understood why the Japanese celebrate hanami (flower viewing) with such reverence.

I witnessed the beauty of illuminated blossoms at night in Maruyama Park, their reflections doubling in still ponds beside historic wooden pavilions. The ephemeral nature of the blossoms, lasting only about two weeks makes the experience feel even more special.

Best time to visit: Late March to early April (varies by year) Pro tip: Book accommodation 6-12 months in advance, as cherry blossom season is extremely popular.

26. Namibian Desert

Climbing Namibia’s towering red sand dunes at dawn in Sossusvlei, I watched as shadows dramatically defined the desert landscape in patterns that changed by the minute. The dunes here are among the highest in the world, some reaching over 1,000 feet.

I tracked rare desert-adapted elephants and rhinos in Damaraland that somehow survive in one of Earth’s most extreme environments. Exploring the eerie shipwrecks along the aptly-named Skeleton Coast, where fog-shrouded beaches meet the world’s oldest desert, felt like discovering a lost world.

Best time to visit: May to October Pro tip: Stay inside Sossusvlei (if you can get a reservation) to access the dunes at sunrise before the gates open.

27. New Zealand South Island

Driving New Zealand’s South Island, I traveled from the turquoise lakes of Tekapo to the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound, each turn revealing another postcard-worthy view. I hiked the Franz Josef Glacier with crampons, then soaked in natural hot pools at Punakaiki.

Queenstown lived up to its reputation as the adventure capital, I tried bungee jumping, jet boating, and paragliding, all with mountain and lake views that made the adrenaline rush even more intense. Ending my days sampling Pinot Noir in Central Otago’s vineyards felt like the perfect balance.

Best time to visit: December to February (summer) or June to August (winter sports) Pro tip: Allow at least two weeks to properly explore the South Island without rushing.

28. Maldives

Stepping directly from my overwater villa in the Maldives into crystal-clear lagoon waters felt like living in a dream. I could see colorful reef fish swimming just below my private deck before I even entered the water.

I dined in an underwater restaurant where sharks and rays glided past floor-to-ceiling windows as I ate. Snorkeling with gentle manta rays and whale sharks that migrate through channels between these perfect coral atolls was magical these giants moved with grace that seemed impossible for their size.

Best time to visit: November to April Pro tip: Choose a resort based on your priorities, some are better for surfing, others for diving, and some for pure luxury relaxation.

29. Giza Pyramids Complex, Egypt

Standing before Egypt’s Great Pyramid at Giza, I tried to comprehend how ancient Egyptians moved 2.3 million stone blocks without modern machinery. This sole surviving Ancient Wonder was built over 4,500 years ago with perfect astronomical alignment.

I entered burial chambers deep inside the pyramid, walked through narrow passageways carved from stone, and gazed into the eyes of the enigmatic Sphinx, half-lion and half-human, standing sentinel since the dawn of civilization.

Best time to visit: October to April Pro tip: Arrive right when the gates open for the best photos without crowds, and hire a knowledgeable guide to bring the history to life.

30. Amazon Rainforest

Journeying by boat deep into the Amazon, Earth’s largest rainforest, I felt the weight of being in the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet. Indigenous guides revealed medicinal plants their ancestors have used for centuries.

I spotted pink river dolphins playing in waterways, heard howler monkeys calling from the canopy, and watched macaws gathering at clay licks. At night, the jungle came alive with sounds I couldn’t identify, a reminder that we’ve only begun to understand this vast wilderness.

Best time to visit: June to November (drier season) Pro tip: Choose a lodge deep in the jungle rather than near cities for the most authentic Amazon experience.

31. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Flying over Bora Bora’s perfect ring of coral surrounding its famous blue lagoon and towering volcanic peak, I couldn’t believe a place this beautiful existed. The water glows in shades of blue and turquoise that seem almost unnatural.

I snorkeled through crystal-clear waters with visibility over 100 feet, swimming among rainbow-colored fish and pristine coral gardens. Sleeping in an overwater bungalow while traditional Polynesian fire dancers performed on beaches below starlit Pacific skies felt like the ultimate luxury.

Best time to visit: May to October Pro tip: Book an overwater bungalow on the sunset side of the island for spectacular evening views from your deck.

32. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Gliding through Botswana’s Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe, I silently approached elephants and hippos in their natural habitat. This inland delta floods annually, creating a lush oasis in the Kalahari Desert.

I tracked lions on foot with local guides in private concessions, feeling both exhilarated and vulnerable. Falling asleep in luxury tented camps to the sounds of roaring lions and grunting hippos, I felt more connected to nature than anywhere else.

Best time to visit: May to October (dry season) Pro tip: Book a camp that offers both water-based activities (mokoro, boats) and land-based game drives for the full Delta experience.

33. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Diving into Raja Ampat’s underwater paradise, I entered the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem. More species of fish and coral live here than anywhere else on Earth, creating an underwater kaleidoscope.

I island-hopped by traditional boat among limestone karst formations rising dramatically from turquoise waters, discovering hidden lagoons and beaches rarely seen by outsiders. The remoteness of this Indonesian archipelago means it remains pristine and uncrowded.

Best time to visit: October to April Pro tip: Book a liveaboard diving boat to access the best dive sites and maximize your underwater time.

34. Grand Canyon, Arizona

Standing at the Grand Canyon’s rim as changing light transformed the vast red-rock chasm’s colors throughout the day, I felt humbled by the scale of this natural wonder. It’s one mile deep, up to 18 miles wide, and 277 miles long.

I hiked below the rim on trails that descend through two billion years of exposed Earth history, visible in the layers of rock. Rafting the powerful Colorado River rapids between mile-high walls, camping on isolated beaches beneath star-filled skies, gave me a completely different perspective on this iconic landscape.

Best time to visit: March to May or September to November Pro tip: Stay at least one night on the South Rim to experience sunrise and sunset, when the colors are most dramatic.

35. Seychelles

Exploring beaches in the Seychelles where massive granite boulders create natural sculptures against powder-white sand, I felt like I’d discovered paradise. These islands in the Indian Ocean remain relatively uncrowded compared to other tropical destinations.

I swam in protected waters teeming with marine life, from tiny colorful reef fish to gentle whale sharks that migrate through these islands. The nature reserves protecting giant tortoises and rare birds make the Seychelles more than just a beach destination.

Best time to visit: April to May or October to November Pro tip: Island-hop between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue for variety, rather than staying on just one island.

Conclusion

These 35 once-in-a-lifetime travel destinations represent the best our planet has to offer. From Antarctica’s pristine wilderness to Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoons, from ancient wonders like Petra and Machu Picchu to natural spectacles like the northern lights and Victoria Falls, each destination offers something truly transformative.

I’ve been fortunate to visit many of these places, and each one has left an impression that goes far beyond the photographs. They’ve taught me about different cultures, challenged my comfort zone, and reminded me how vast and varied our world really is.

Start planning your bucket list trip today. Whether you choose to hike Patagonian glaciers, float over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, or swim with whale sharks in the Maldives, these experiences will become the stories you tell for decades to come.

Which destination will you visit first?