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 21 Bucket List Destinations for 2021

 

Buckle up for the year of your life. Wondering what to do and where to go this year? Relax, I got you.  I have THE 21 Bucket List Destinations for 2021 waiting here for you to dig through. So keep reading and make sure to explore this site for all the information you could hope for on the destinations below.

I’m not traveling, much like you, I’m stuck at home. Where I should be.

At first, I didn’t mind, but now I find myself reminiscing about past trips and dreaming up(and researching)future ones.

When COVID begins to back off, and travel restrictions are lifted, I’ll be on the first plane up out of here. Promise.

Let’s go!

Guatemala

Guatemala has everything you can imagine. The beach, volcanos, vast lakes, very inexpensive Spanish lessons, a vibrant indigenous culture, ancient Mayan ruins, jungles to trek, plenty of volunteer opportunities, and adventure.

All of the above adventures is possible for less than $40 per day, including room and food.

What more could a girl ask for?! I was supposed to be learning Spanish this year in this beautiful country. I guess I’ll just have to wait for COVID to let up. Sigh.

Update: I spent over one month in Guatemala and had so much fun!

You can read up on it here and here

 

New York

What a fun city! If you Haven’t been yet, I highly suggest you visit the Big Apple. There are so many fun touristy things to do, like seeing the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and shopping in Chinatown.

 

 

 

The museums are some of the best in the world, like MOMA, the American Museum of Natural History, The Guggenheim, The Morgan Library and Museum, and so much more. There is Times Square, catch a show on Broadway , and an endless list of good eats from fine dining to mom-and-pop stops. My head is spinning at the thought, I might have to make a quick stopover soon!

 

You have the famous Central Park, where you can simply spend a few hours walking around and people-watching,  or you could get a hot dog and ride the Friedsam Memorial Carousel or rent a paddleboat or a bike. Whatever your plans, make sure you find a dope spot to catch the NYC skyline at sunrise before you head home!

 

 

Berlin, Germany

 

One of my favorite cities in the EU, because you do get the most bang for your buck here thus the reason it made the 21 bucket list destinations in 2021, is Berlin.

Berlin has all the allure of any Euro city at half the price. You can easily book a top-notch hostel dorm or private room in a dorm for anywhere from $12-$70 per night before catching the amazing array of rooftop nightlife and clubbing scene.

During the day, there is no shortage of Museums and free and paid walking tours. Don’t be afraid to join one.

Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial before falling into one of Berlin’s random festivals.

I loved simply walking around the city for a day and getting lost while looking for the East Side Gallery, where there are remnants of the Berlin Wall

 

Walk down the road drinking a bottle of wine from one of the supermarkets. After I saw a few people enjoying themselves, I thought, why not? So I did, and you should too.

If that’s not your speed, look up a pour-what-you-want wine bar like Der Weinerei.

Thank me later.

Before you leave this city, find the longest line possible and order some currywurst first. If you need some guidance in the food department, try a guided food tour like this one.

Enjoy.

P.S I Told myself on my next trip to Berlin I would go skinny dipping in one of the designated skinny dipping lakes, I dare you to try.

 

Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos

The magic of SE Asia is guaranteed to keep you wanting to come back.

Many backpackers trek through these three countries in one trip, but they can each, in fact, be their own grand adventure adventure.

That is why Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos are next on our 21 Bucket list destinations for 2021.

 

Cambodia

From what I have been told, Cambodia is the simple life personified. Going to a place like this humbles you for the rest of your days.

The people are warm, the living is cheap, and the adventure is never-ending. From the temples of Angkor to the bustling capital, Phnom Penh.

 

 

Viet Nam

Many backpackers trek their way from the south to the north, beginning in Ho Chi Minh City and working there way up to Hanoi. In between there are beaches and mountainous regions as well as quirky little towns, beautiful limestone littered Ha Long Bay,  and plenty of Pho to eat along the journey.

 

Laos

Laos is not a hot spot for touristy travel. So if an off-the-beaten path is not your angle, either get over that or go somewhere else entirely.

I think you should dive all the way in.

From Hiking to emerald green pools of water with cascading waterfalls and northern cowboy culture to zip-lining and tubing downriver. I have, honestly, wanted to hit Laos for years, and as soon as I can do so safely, flights will be booked.

The backpacker trail that connects these countries is extensive, and the variety of food, beaches, mountains lakes, and rivers are boundless.

Or you can just fly into one of these countries enjoy for a week or two, and fly out. You choose.

 

 

 

New Orleans

 

My absolute favorite city in the world! Could you imagine a rich subcultural history that has birthed food, music, and hospitality that can’t be beat?

Well, you found it. New Orleans should be on your bucket list if it isn’t already. You can travel here alone and make friends at one of the hostels on Canal Street near the French quarter.

I went on an amazing FREE walking tour, and I highly recommend the guide: Priest Robi’s Voodoo tour

It’s not what you think, judging by the name, so sign up! It was super informational and so much fun!

A little side note: just because a tour is free doesn’t mean you don’t leave a little something, I leave at least $20 tip for a good guide.

 

 

 

The Real Reason New Orleans Is on The 21 Bucket List Destinations?

FOOD! Eating is a blast in New Orleans!

Set a reservation at Ruby Slipper or head to Willie Mae’s Scotch Bonnet House, Dooky Chase, Banh Mi Boys, Elizabeth’s Restaurant , and don’t forget to get some beignets at Cafe Du Monde in the late evening before heading to Frenchman Street.

Some of must try dishes include:

• Red beans and rice
• Po-boys
• Gumbo

 

There is plenty to do besides drinking and eating.

Wake up early and catch one of the educational plantation tours.

Join one of the tours that take you on an airboat or kayaking through the Bayou.

 

 

Japan

Japan is bomb. Period.

A massive city where English is a distant memory and food you have never seen before.

A place where honor and respects are of the most importance.

Book yourself in a capsule hostel and get lost in Tokyo’s underground on your way to Harajuku or Shibuya.

Find a ramen house, or better yet, join a food tour before you go see Mount Fuji.

Then, catch a bullet train to Kyoto to see the geisha. Visit all the Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples you can! There is so much to see and do in Japan; it is honestly super safe. You naturally still need to be careful. I wandered around Tokyo for four days on my own and never had a single problem.

 

Thailand

Sawadee ka! Thailand has earned its spot on the 21 bucket list destinations of 2021.

It’s a first-time traveler’s heaven!

Why is that? You ask?

It’s inexpensive, completely outside of your everyday western world norm, and jam-packed with tourists and travelers from around the world, as well as bursting with impressive history and beautiful culture.

If you are trying to break your Asia travel cherry, this is the place to do it.

You can find yourself spending as little as five days to well over a month getting lost in Thailand.

From island hopping off of Phuket (I do not recommend staying in Phuket for more than a day or two, its kind of depressing) to riding a rented motorbike in the mountains of the North.

Thailand has snorkeling, elephant sanctuaries, hectic city life, plenty of party life, quiet and introspective places shaded by the jungles to the North, and of course tattoo parlors at every turn.

Though I suggest finding a traditional tattoo artist(a Thai monk), if you plan on getting one.

Eat all the food, preferably from the food stalls. Visit all the ancient historical sites. Take your time and do all the things, just don’t ride the elephants, please.

Banff, Canada

To keep it super simple this place looks amazeballs!

With affordable flights into Calgary airport and a less than two-hour drive to Banff and hostel beds going for as low as $28 per night, I don’t see why you wouldn’t be rushing to this place.

If you can’t find anyone to drag along, make a friend at the hostel.

Get yourself into some ski or snowboarding lessons (ask your hostel what your best options would be), or just hang around and ponder life while gazing at the amazing Canadian Rockies.

I want to go here so bad, take a snowboard lesson, drink hot cocoa and hike. When I do finally get too, you all will be the first ones I tell.

Galapagos Islands

Off of the coast of Ecuador, rest a string of islands that are made up of volcanic rock.

This place so interesting and unique that I had to add it to our list of 21 bucket list destinations for 2021.

Experience the diversity of the marine and land life of the volcanic islands including the tortoises, sea lions, marine iguana, Galapagos penguin, and manta rays. All of whom you can swim with.

The Galapagos Islands are also one of the top places in the world where you can swim with the gentle but giant whale shark.

This magnificent place is also home to vibrant coral reef, perfect for a colorful dive!

Paris

Ahh, Paris. One of the easiest cities to get to from the states. I’m speaking in terms of direct very cheap flights, seriously check out Norse air in advance and you might be able to find a one-way for under $200

There is so much to do in Paris it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Have no fear, I have a blog post here on top things you MUST DO on your first trip to Paris.

Between the free walking tours(which I highly recommend on arrival) food, history, and so on, and the easy to follow underground getting around the city is a breeze, even for the first-timer.

I say Paris is one of the best cities to fly solo in because you can sit at a cafe all day watching people by yourself and no one will think anything of it.

Watch out for pickpockets in the underground on your way to the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve, or Notre-Dame.

Plan ahead if you want to go see Versailles, and know that alone will take up an entire day. 100% worth it.

Versailles is a 50 minute drive from Paris. So keep that in mind when you are mapping out your stay.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the world, and an obviously fabulous addition to our 21 bucket list destinations of 2021.

While it is not an easy place to get to and you have to be apart of a tour in order to go at all.

The altitude sickness and the simple fact that you are, in fact, camping and trekking for 4 days is something to consider in its own right. But it’s soooo worth it!

South Africa

Interested in Cape Town? That’s great, you should be!

The road trip along the coast in between these two cities. Just to let you know, the sun hits different in South Africa, and after you leave here the way you see the world will change.

Whale watching while taking surf lessons in Coffee Bay, shark cage diving in,  safari in Kruger National Park, The history of Soweto in Joberg.

The music. I had a blast in South Africa, however, it is probably one of the less safe places I have been, because of that I highly recommend staying at hostels and making as many friends as possible.

Making friends with the locals here is also very important, the people are very hospitable and want to show you around. So let them, and listen you just might learn something.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a must-see for all.

If you are in Vegas, take a car. Ride the four hours it takes to get to the western rim and spend a few hours taking it all in.

If you have time and want to put effort and money behind this, there are amazing river rafting camp adventures where you literally white water raft and camp your way through the canyon

I did it for a 4/5 day trip, and it was the best experience of my life that I highly recommend and would probably never do again.

Read why here.

Anyway, you haven’t lived until you have been here and seen this place. Pictures don’t do it justice.

Italy

One of my favorite countries in the world to visit.

I can not wait for COVID restrictions to let up so I can find my way back to this amazing place.

From riding the gondola in Venice to visiting Casa di Giulietta (yes that is Juliet of Romeo&Juliet)in Verona to look out from her balcony.

To eating a pizza and looking at a Vesuvius(only volcano on mainland Europe) volcano in Napoli, and slowly making way up the Amalfi Coast, Italy is the place to be.

I prefer Southern Italy over the North, I think the food is better and the people were just different there.

I have Rome, Tuscany, Capri and so many more places to visit. COVID needs to let up honey.

Have you been to Italy before?

Jordan

Between scuba diving in the Red Sea and floating around in the Dead Sea, make sure you have time for Petra.

Check out the milky way as you camp out under the stars and eat amazing food with the bedouins in the desert on your way to Wadi Rum.

Jordan is a country worth fitting onto your 2021 bucket list.

Scotland

The magic of Scotland haunts me to this day.

I highly recommended to any traveler, although moderately expensive(currency used is pound sterling, GBP).

Scotland is warm and welcoming, not the weather, I mean the people.

I he four days I spent there were not enough. You could easily spend a full seven days exploring this wild place.

Fly into Edinburgh and join a historical walking tour there.

Book your hostel ahead to make sure you get the accommodation that you desire.

I met a friend in Edinburgh and we opted to rent a car instead of going on a giant bus tour into the highlands and I would do it one thousand times more.

Just remember you are driving on the opposite side of the road and the opposite side of the car.

No. you don’t require a special license.

Drive up to Inverness stopping as many times as you can to soak in nature, you can take as many pictures as you want just know they will never do this country and its backdrop of castles, lochs, and rolling mountainous range justice.

Then find your way to the Isle of Skye and stay for a few days.

Take in the views and medieval castles and go on the lookout for some fairies and the countries national animal, the unicorn.

The only warning I have is that I don’t suggest driving at night due to the pitch-black winding roads, the rain, and the fact that you have no idea where you are can lead to unnecessary stress.

Ready. Set.. go!

Rwanda

Trekking a few days to catch a face to face meeting with the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcano’s National Park is a definite bucket list must-do!

There is plenty of volcano hiking as well. Plastic bags have been banned in Rwanda since 2008, so don’t accidentally bring any along.

Nyungwe National Park rainforest boasts canopy walks and waterfall hikes. Here you can find the chimpanzee treks. you can find information on these activities here

Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africas tallest mountain.

Serengeti National Park, where you can witness the great migration and track down the big five.

If the mental image doesn’t convince you Tanzania belongs on this list…keep reading.

Zanzibar, a string of islands in the Indian ocean and just 20miles off the coast on Tanzania where Freddie Mercury of Queen was born and raised.

Here you can sleep in beach huts, eat very fresh food, snorkel, sail, learn some history, and just relax.  

That’s it! 21 bucket list destination ideas for 2021! Where do you want to jet to when its finally safe to do so? leave some ideas in the comments below!