5 Fantastic Bucketlist Destinations that Live up to the Hype

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A bucketlist, a travel wish list, or just places you have always dreamed of going- whatever you want to call it, you often wonder if having dreamt of visiting for years if it really is going to live up to its reputation. Are some of these iconic, bucketlist destinations really worth all the hype?

Well this list of five we have visited in the past couple of years definitely do deliver. Despite the crowds, the cost and sometimes the travel distances involved to get there- it is all worth it.

5 Fantastic Bucketlist Destinations that Live up to the Hype www.compassanfork.com

Santorini |Greek Islands

Let’s start here, as Santorini was the destination I was most sceptical about visiting. It is renowned for its natural beauty and stunning sunsets. And it delivers. Nothing quite prepares you for the dramatic cliff-side villages set along the top of the caldera. It is also busy, expensive and touristy.

You can read more about Santorini in our full-length post: Santorini: 5 Great Things to Do When Visiting for the First Time.

Our tip: stay in Oia to avoid the crowds of trying to get there for sunset. Spend only a couple of days and if at all possible don’t visit during peak season! (We were there in May before peak season starts and it was incredibly busy and hot!)

For more information about the Greek Islands you might enjoy What You Need to Know About Traveling in the Greek Islands.

Combine the Greek Islands with the Parthenon, another great bucketlist destination in Greece.

5 Fantastic Bucketlist Destinations that Live up to the Hype www.compassanfork.com

Venice | Italy

Staying in Europe and not too far from Greece, is Italy. Venice is the top tourist destination in Italy and Italy has a lot of famous tourist destinations.

Venice is renowned for its vaporettos, gondolas and Carnivale. The churches, palaces and museums and of course the famous Murano glass are all fascinating to see firsthand. Venice is unique. Riding along the Grand Canal in the evening is an experience you won’t forget. You can find our suggestions for a Perfect Day in Venice.

Like Santorini, Venice is busy, touristy and expensive. If you can visit outside of the peak season in June or July it is less crowded.

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Angkor Wat | Cambodia

Wow! Having seen documentaries, pictures and read about the ancient Khmer Empire, nothing prepares you for seeing the Temples of Angkor. Angkor Wat is but one temple in a complex of many. It takes at least several days to fully appreciate the scale and magnificence of these amazing temples.

You can find all you need to know about the Temple of Angkor, what else there is to do and Siem Reap (the nearest town). We’ve even included our favorite Siem Reap bar and restaurant suggestions for you.

To plan you trip all our posts, including recipes and travel tips from Cambodia will be helpful. It is hot and humid and busy, but this is not an expensive destination.

5 Fantastic Bucketlist Destinations that Live up to the Hype www.compassanfork.com

A Cruise in Halong Bay | Vietnam

This is one of nature’s natural wonders and the rock formations in Halong Bay are amazing. Visiting the many local, floating villages and islands in the bay helps you appreciate the traditional way of life of the many people that call Halong Bay home.

This is definitely a case of you get what you pay for- you can read the comments on the post for yourself but many people on the cheap “party” cruises into the bay were disappointed. We did a two-night luxury cruise on a traditional junk and couldn’t have been happier. The two nights allows you to travel further into the bay and really enjoy the “vibe”.

New regulations have been announced for Halong Bay to limit tourist numbers and preserve the natural beauty.

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Machu Picchu | Peru

The crown jewel of the Incan empire, Machu Picchu, is the most visited destination in Peru. We hiked the Inca Trail, the traditional route to Machu Picchu. If you are fit enough to do the hike, it is an amazing experience. The other Inca sites and the agricultural terraces you pass on the 4-day hike can only be seen by walking. The trail is largely the original stone walkway built by the Incas.

If you can’t do the hike the train ride to and from Agua Calientes allows you to see Machu Picchu in a shorter amount of time.

You need to organize permits and tickets well in advance. As soon as you know your travel dates organize your tickets to avoid disappointment.

What’s on your Bucketlist?

We still have lots of things on our bucketlist, including natural and man-made wonders. You can find many other great destinations on the Compass & Fork which might be on your list.

If you have been to any of these 5 fantastic bucketlist destinations leave a comment and let us known your experience. Do you have any to add?

5 Fantastic Bucketlist Destinations that Live up to the Hype www.compassandfork.com

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2 Responses

  1. Meghan
    | Reply

    I’ve been to two of these (Machu Picchu and Venice) and Santorini is happening in April. I know the feelings I got on Machu Picchu and in Venice were amazing – glad to know Greece is the same! Thanks for sharing!

    • Editor
      |

      There is a real mysticism with Ankor Wat and Machu Picchu that almost feels overwhelming. It is hard not get a tear in your eye. As for Santorini, Venice and Halong Bay, well they are just spectacular in a grand way.

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