Face it, fellow travelers, the USA is a huge country and there are a number of different, distinctive destinations to discover there! How do you even eliminate what you can’t afford or what doesn’t interest you if you don’t even know what all is out there? So, to help you with the personal planning process, prepare to peruse the 27 top USA bucket list experiences.

The 27 Top USA Bucket List Experiences

Go To Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is a little island situated off the coast between the peninsulas. It’s accessible by boat or ferry and has been an automobile-free zone for more than 100 years. Here people travel on foot, bicycle, or even horse-drawn carriage.

Veteran visitors suggest taking the eight-mile scenic trip around the entire island. You’ll see Arch Rock, Lake Huron, and more. Hike in Mackinac Island State Park. Sample the tasty local homemade fudge too. 

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Drive Route 66, Illinois To California

“Get your kicks on Route 66!” This 2,448-mile route might be officially decommissioned, but you can still drive it from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to its endpoint in California. As previously reported, you can complete the entire trip in only two weeks if you only stop at the most popular places like The Blue Whale and Cadillac Ranch.

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Go To The Empire State Building, New York

Built in 1931, the Empire State Building is located on famous 5th Avenue in Manhattan. This 102-story building is 1,454 feet tall. For nearly four decades this landmark was the world’s tallest building until the title was usurped by the World Trade Center’s North Tower back in 1970. It’s the 25th tallest building on Earth and the fifth tallest skyscraper in the country.

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Experience the Mardi Gras Carnival, Louisiana

The Mardi Gras Carnival held in New Orleans is said to be a “fun for all ages” event. The event starts two weeks prior to “Fat Tuesday” complete with numerous parades and float riders. The best albeit busiest time to go is on the weekend when you’ll see the best and biggest floats. Always show up early to get a good spot.

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Visit Mount Rushmore And More, South Dakota

The world-famous Mount Rushmore is undoubtedly the focus of a visit to this state. Be sure to hike the peaceful presidential trail here. But, wait, there’s more!  

Popular Badlands National Park has a moody, extra-terrestrial landscape. Be sure to see Custer State Park in the Black Hills. Cruise the Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway and take in the scenery too. Hike the 18-mile wildlife loop too.

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See The Seattle Space Needle, Washington

The best time to visit this memorable 605-foot-high structure is weekday evenings. (Get your tickets online and avoid the lines as well.) Here you can experience an incredible view of the entire city and even the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Have a drink in the lovely Loupe Lounge, which features the only revolving glass floor. Don’t forget your ticket includes a digital “Sky High Selfie” on the Needle’s observation deck. 

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Visit Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is actually situated between the state of New York and Ontario, Canada. Regular readers may already know this natural wonder includes three falls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. The latter straddles the international border.  Niagara Falls are North America’s most famous waterfalls. 30 million people come here every year. Niagara Falls is not only beautiful but a great source of hydroelectric power too.

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Drive The Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada

If you’re looking for a fun road trip, we suggest cruising the quirky Extraterrestrial Highway. The ET Highway includes a 98-mile stretch of State Route 375 between the towns of Crystal Springs and Warm Springs. Noteworthy attractions along the way include the famous ET Highway route marker, the Alien Research Center, the Black Mailbox where alien enthusiasts leave messages, and the motel and restaurant known as Little A’le’inn.

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Explore Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park is a stunning place to visit in the winter. If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site is during the colder months. If you wish to actually tour the more than 2,000 cliff dwellings and see them up close and personal though, visit between May and September and make reservations online.

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Hike To Diamond Head Lookout, Hawaii

If you visit Hawaii, you simply must visit your rovin’ writer’s birthplace of Oahu. Here you can hike to the top of Diamond Head and take in the view of the well-known Waikiki Beach. Originally created for military defense purposes, this 1.6-mile hiking path is now trodden by hundreds of visitors daily for both the historic experience and the stunning 360-degree views. 

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Visit Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, Colorado

This canyon is one of the steepest, deepest, and narrowest canyons in the US. It was named thus because some sections only get 30+ minutes of sunlight each day. Enjoy memorable views, noteworthy hikes, and learn of interesting past expeditions. Easier trails include the Rim Rock Nature Trail and the Oak Flat Loop Trail. The best time to visit is from April ‘til November.

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Go Skydiving In Las Vegas, Nevada

The next time you visit Vegas, you must experience the adrenaline rush of jumping out of an airplane. You sign the waiver, have a lesson, get suited up and you are ready to rock! The free-falling can be intense as you gaze down on Sin City and its surroundings. If you want to avoid the heat, avoid doing this in the summer months.  

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Visit Key West, Florida

While you can cruise down the A1A highway through the famous Florida Keys, a car can be a hassle in Key West. Opt for flying into the local Key West Airport and taking a cab to a hotel in historic Old Town. From there you can bike or even walk anywhere. Stroll around Mallory Square. Summer is hot but uncrowded. Most travelers visit in the Fall or Spring.

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Hike Mount Whitney, California

Mount Whitney is in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, near Lone Pine. You will need a permit during the peak season of May through October, and they are only available via a lottery system. The hike to Mount Whitney is a 20-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 6,600 feet. Still, the view from the summit of 14,505 feet makes it worth it.

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Visit The Historical District Of Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, and its historic center, is rife with history and highlighted by attractive antebellum architecture, and a delicious, distinctive culinary scene. Here you can walk along Waterfront Park, enjoy Pineapple Fountain, visit the Rainbow Row, and take in the historic French Quarter, Boone Hall Plantation, and Fort Sumter. The best time to visit is in spring or fall when the weather is reportedly perfect.

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See The Monuments, Washington DC

Washington DC is the heart of the United States government. History buffs and patriotic Americans interested in the founding of the nation and the country’s leaders will surely appreciate the many monuments and memorials. Highlights here include the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Washington Monument, National World War II Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

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Experience Christmastime In New York City, New York

Some say New York City during the holidays is “magical.” Go ice skating in Central Park, stroll by the dazzling displays on 5th Avenue, see the famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, shop the holiday markets at Union Square and Bryant Park. See the Christmas light decorations at popular Dyker Heights and the amazing Christmas trees at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Rockefeller Center.

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See The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Arizona’s Grand Canyon has earned many titles: an unspoiled place, a “stunning natural wonder”, one of the “world’s most incredible canyons”, and a “place to see before you die.” It’s also one of the nation’s famous landmarks and as such belongs on everyone’s bucket list. The canyon is 227 miles long, one mile deep, and up to 18 miles wide and can even be seen from outer space.

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Hike The Flatirons, Colorado

While you might not have the Flatirons in Boulder, on your bucket list, you should. Nestled north of Denver, this is reported to be “one of the most popular hikes” to complete in the Denver area. There are multiple trails available here so you get some exercise regardless of your hiking experience. The best time to visit to avoid the crowds is during the fall or spring.

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Drive Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina

This is another activity that should be on your bucket list. This 469-mile trip is said to be one of America’s “most iconic road trips.” It connects the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks, going through the states of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The best time to experience this drive with its hiking trails and overlooks is in the fall.  

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Visit Everglades National Park, Florida

This bucket list locale is less than 40 minutes out of Miami. The Everglades National Park has a unique ecosystem and tropical wetlands. Several Native American tribes including the Calusa, Seminole, and Tequesta once lived on these marshlands. Today visitors can go on nature walks, kayak, or hike the Anhinga Trail. Keep an eye out for alligators, crocodiles, dolphins, herons, manatees, panthers, and turtles. 

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Go To The Statue Of Liberty, New York

Visiting the world-famous Statue Of Liberty in the NY Harbor is a requirement for anyone’s bucket list. You can get a ticket with ground, pedestal, or even crown access. Take the 15-minute ferry ride to Liberty Island, and explore the cafe, gift shop, and, of course, the statue. Your ticket also gives you access to the historic immigration center Ellis Island.

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Hit Green Sand Beach, Hawaii

Also known as Papakolea Beach, the Green Sand Beach is on Hawaii’s Big Island. Famous for its green sand, it is one of the only four green beaches on the planet. Specifically found in a volcanic tuff ring created more than 49,000 years ago by a Mauna Loa eruption. An olivine erosion from the surrounding tuff ring caused the sand to be olive green.

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 Watch The Sun Rise Atop Haleakala Crater, Hawaii

The Haleakala Crater is a huge crater on the isle of Maui. It was created as a result of eons’ worth of erosion of the

Haleakala volcano mountain top. The summit is 10,000 feet high. Veteran visitors confirm that watching the sunrise here above the clouds is a unique experience. Make reservations and plan accordingly. Sunrise begins at 5:30 a.m.

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Explore Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, And Idaho

Yellowstone National Park is the planet’s first national park. It includes 2.2 million acres that cover parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park is highlighted by wild animals, deep forests, craggy peaks, alpine lakes, and nearly half of the planet’s geysers including the Old Faithful Geyser. It is also inspired the cartoon character Yogi Bear’s famous home — Jellystone Park.

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Drive The Going-to-the-Sun Road In Glacier National Park, Montana

This drive in Glacier National Park is another unforgettable bucket list experience. This winding, scenic road through northern Montana, provides unforgettable views of majestic mountains and more. The drive will take a couple of hours but you will undoubtedly want to stop at the overlooks, check out the scenic lakes, and maybe even do a little hiking.

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See The Golden Gate Bridge, California

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge was constructed more than 75 years ago. It’s the world’s longest suspension bridge and it spans the strait between San Francisco and Marin County. The bridge is almost 230 feet high and 4,200 feet long. The structure’s famous red-orange color was chosen to make the bridge very easy to see through the frequent thick fog which quite often enshrouds it.

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Many travelers’ bucket lists include these iconic destinations.  When it comes to most places on the planet, you can choose your activities according to your abilities and comfort zones.  These 12 bucket-list trips, however, are actually surprisingly difficult for people to accomplish.

Bucket-List Trips That Are Actually Difficult

1.  The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Ships that travel these islands are smaller and less comfortable.  Passengers will notice the list on rough seas.  Additionally, to see each island’s endemic species here you need to take pangas or Zodiac-style boats from the ship to the shores.  It requires both agility and balance to land since most of the island shores do not have docks. 

They have slippery, uneven rocks.  Furthermore, hiking through the lava tubes and fields requires steady steps to avoid sharp landings.

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Machu Picchu, Peru

Visitors are only given four-hour entry period tickets.  Thus, the giant stone steps of the ruins become more of an issue for one’s hips and knees since there’s more pressure to move quickly.  Walking sticks and hiking poles are generally not permitted in order to preserve the ancient stones.  Handrails are few and far in between too.  The only restroom is outside the gate and once you leave you will not be allowed to re-enter.

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Mountain Gorilla Trek, Uganda and Rwanda

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is not easily accessible to those who aren’t prepared.  The hike is very challenging with uneven, wet ground, waist-high foliage, and 75-degree inclines.  You could end up hiking for nine hours to locate your gorilla troop.  Treks in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park might be easier but are always at a significantly higher elevation and permit fees are more than twice as high as in Uganda.

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Angkor Temples, Cambodia

Exploring these ruins will have you on your feet in the hot sun most of the day.  Many of the century-old temples have steep stairs and treads that are smaller than many people’s feet.  Some steps are so high you may have to use your hands to aid your struggling thighs and knees.  Even Angkor Wat’s third tier, now covered by modern staircases, remains steep, and those afraid of heights may miss out.

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The Pyramids, Egypt

If you have sore joints, entering some of these pyramids could be difficult as you will have to crouch down inside the little, narrow passageways.  Even those with wooden slats or stairs to prevent your feet from sliding are noticeably steep.  Additionally, the tombs can often be stuffy, hot, and can even smell of mold.

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The Underground Cities and Carved Castles, Turkey

Cappadocia’s wonders belong on any bucket list.  Most travelers choose to visit Derinkuyu, which once accommodated 20,000 people 18 stories underground.  This is partially because you can actually stand at your full height in most of the rooms.  

Unfortunately, you will still have to crouch to go through tunnels and doorways.  Furthermore, some of the stairways are steep and without handrails.  Above ground, the explorable castles have steep stairs, and you sometimes have to climb ladders too.

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War Tunnels, Vietnam

The underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam  War can be challenging for some visitors.  There are government warnings posted before the tunnel entrance telling visitors not to enter the underground tunnels if they have asthma, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or rheumatism; if they have a fear of small spaces or the darkness; or if they’ve had too much to drink.  You shouldn’t enter the tunnels if you can’t walk in a crouched position either.

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The World’s Largest Sand Dunes, Namibia

Namibia not only has safaris, and rare elephants, it also has the world’s largest sand dunes, including the famous, 1,066-foot-high Big Daddy. Most travelers climb Dune 45 which is only half the height of Big Daddy.  Climbing them is surprisingly slow and takes a lot of time, even without the heat of the sun.  It requires endurance to say the least.  You sink down into the sand up to your ankles and slide back one or two steps with every single step forward.

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The Argentine Side of Iguazú Falls, Argentina

Iguazú features roughly 275 falls.  It’s almost three times wider than the famous Niagara.  Ideally, you want to see a whole day on the Argentine side and maybe half a day on the Brazillian side.  The latter is easier as you can avoid climbing nearly all the stairs and take the elevator.  On the Argentine side, you have to take steep slippery paths for up-close views through the forest.

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Petra, Jordan

These famous 2,000-year-old Nabatean ruins are another favorite on our list.  You need to hike a mile downhill to see the Treasury, then uphill in the sun to go back.  You can rent a camel, donkey, or horse but there is often a question of ethical treatment.

Concerned parties can rent a golf cart too but they must be reserved in advance.  If you want to see the entire 23-square-mile site, plan on hiking in the sun.  The must-see Monastery has 850 stairs to climb too.

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Teotihuacán, Outside Mexico City

This pre-Aztec city is Mexico’s “most-visited archeological site.”  If you can hike three miles you can see Teotihuacán (“City of the Gods”) on the long Avenue of the Dead.  Most visitors want to take in the views from atop the third-highest pyramid on the planet, the Pyramid of the Sun.  Be aware that the stairs are steep and the so-called “handrails” are nothing more than low rope. There is also no shade at mid-day.

The Towers of Sagrada Familia, Spain

They’ve been building the  Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona since 1882 and it won’t be finished until 2026.  If you have vertigo or trouble with stairs the towers here will be a problem.  The elevator will take you up, but you must walk down a snail-shell-like 504-step coiled staircase.  Veteran visitors confirm that you could be required to prove you’re capable of walking down by jumping up and down several times.  Children under age six are not permitted to enter.

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Recent uncertain times have reminded us all that we’re not all going to be here forever. So just what are some of the rarest, must-do travel experiences? Without further adieu, here are 23 real-do-before-you-die bucket list travel adventures.

1. Raft Through The Grand Canyon Arizona, US

See the Grand Canyon from a completely rare and different viewpoint. Gazing down onto the squiggle of the river from the rocky rim, it might be difficult to imagine a river creating this natural wonder. Seeing the Grand Canyon from the river will make you truly appreciate it all.

Commercial tour-op adventures range from one day to three weeks. The best time to raft the Colorado River is from May to October. Remember to book in advance too.

2. See the Sistine Chapel, Italy

The Sistine Chapel is located in Vatican City. Here you’ll discover an interesting contrast between minimalistic space and massive art. The Vatican Museum complex is small.

This “box” is only 40 meters (131+feet long) and 13 meters (42+feet) wide. Yet it’s here you will see two of the most impressive paintings in the world: the Last Judgement and the iconic ceiling. If you wish to avoid the 25,000+ tourists who visit every year, book a private after-hours tour in advance.

3. Experience Everest Base Camp, Nepal

The trek to Everest Base Camp is in itself an incredible two-week out-and-back adventure into Sagarmatha at the foot of the tallest mountain in the world. Most travelers aren’t permitted to stay with the climbers at this famous camp.

Only specific special trips offer the opportunity to spend a night at this iconic camp. Book a trip at the peak of the famous “summit-attempt season” when numerous climbers will be staying there. They arrive during the months of April and May.

4. Hike To Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu belongs on everyone’s bucket list. The secret mountain city, undiscovered by the conquistadores, is the stuff of travel legend. Unfortunately, an overabundance of pictures of the Inca citadel may make one appreciate it less.

Thus, it’s best visited on foot. Book one of the various hikes during the dry season between March and November. Be sure to get your permit as the powers that be only offer a limited number of them annually and they sell out quickly.

5. Hike The Popular Milford Track, New Zealand

The Milford Track is perhaps the greatest of the country’s nine official Great Walks. It’s a four-day, 53.5km (33+mile) hike going from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. You’ll trek through Fiordland National Park, see forests, ice fields, lakes, and waterfalls.

You’ll take in the view at the popular panoramic Mackinnon Pass. Peak summer hiking months are from November to April. Book an upgraded adventure if you can as camping’s not allowed and the number of hikers permitted.

6. Sleep Beneath The Stars in NamibRand, Namibia

Sure, you can see stars in the sky the moment you get out of the city. However, stargazing is especially heavenly when you go somewhere very clear, dark, and remote. The NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of a select few “gold-certified Dark Sky Reserves.” Here you’ll find some of the planet’s very best dark skies in a country that is sparsely populated and has a dry climate and dependable clear skies. Sleeping under the stars was never like this anywhere else.

7. Swim With The Turtles, Western Australia

Swim with an endangered species at Ningaloo Reef. It’s only 100 meters (328+ feet) offshore and even attracts almost 500 species of fish. Three different species of turtles nest on the nearby beaches between November and April. Mind you, the turtles actually swim offshore here all year long so you have some wiggle room in your trip planning. Veteran visitors report that the good spots include the Muiron Islands, Shark Bay, and Turtle Bay on Dirk Hartog Island.

8. Meet An Endangered Tribe, Ecuador

Learn about a unique culture in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Sure, some minority tribes don’t want to be gawked at by a bunch of tourists, such as the bow-and-arrow-wielding Sentinelese. Others, however, enjoy having a “cultural lifeline.”

Here travelers can book tribal tours and stay at lodges owned and run by the locals which helps in keeping the tribe’s endangered traditions alive and even protect their environment. It also provides people with an insight into how some people have existed for centuries.

9. See A Snow Leopard In India

Not many people have seen the snow leopard. There are as few as 4,000 left in the wild. Furthermore, these charismatic cats thrive on cold clifftops at altitudes of 3,000 meters (9,842+ feet) or more. Thus, they’re difficult to spot.

The Hemis National Park in Ladakh, however, is the snow leopard capital of the world. Visit this place in the winter. The snow brings them to lower ground and you’ll be more likely to (ahem) spot one.

10. Descend Into A Real Volcano, Iceland

Iceland offers individuals a unique descent into the Earth’s core. Here the ground groans, gasps and even spews. Take a tour of the Thrihnukagigur volcano. Ride a large lift 120 meters (393+ feet) into a colorful, drained magma chamber.

Tours of this weird, wonderful world are only offered between May 10th and October 31st and only on a year-to-year basis. The volcano is officially considered dormant. It last erupted more than 4,000 years ago. But, you never know . . .

11. Visit St Helena, South Atlantic

You can still visit the far-flung South Atlantic island of St. Helena. It’s a historic location with under 5,000 residents. The settlements here on this lovely albeit lonely isle have changed very little since the Georgian days.

Here the sky is alive with myriad birds and the water is brimming with dolphins. If you visit from January to March, you can even go snorkeling alongside whale sharks. Experts suggest planning your visit here around your specific interests.

12. Stay On A Private Island In Scotland

Who hasn’t thought about having their own island? Not everyone can buy one, but you certainly can rent your own slice of sea-lapped solitude. Scotland has nearly 800 islands perfect for camping in the wild.

Witness the uninhabited isle known as Tiny Tanera Beag. Here you can see seals in the lovely lagoon near Eilean Flada Mor, hike to the isle’s 83-meter (272+ feet) high-point, see the skerries and rock stacks and even camp in the heather too.

13. See Icy Antarctica

Antarctica is dangerous and indubitably exciting. It offers a place that most tourists have never seen. Here you can explore the even less-visited Weddell Sea too.

Explore the huge icebergs, ice floes and discover what true adventure feels like. See the baleen whales beneath the surface and the seals and penguins atop the thick ice. If you want to experience a Weddell Sea voyage you’ll need to make plans well in advance as there are only so many each year.

14. Climb Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The monolith known as Kilimanjaro rises out of the African plains. At 5,895 meters tall, it is officially the roof of a continent. It’s also a true climatological oddity because it demonstrates that you can find snow practically on the equator. Climbing Kilimanjaro offers a difficult but achievable athletic goal. Climbers are not permitted to climb independently so be sure to plan ahead and sign on to a trip that is best suited to your level of experience.

15. Cruise Havana In A Cool Classic Car, Cuba

Here you can experience a different locale and cruise in an iconic classic car at the same time. At present, it is a bit easier for people to travel here too. Cuba is a place that some veteran visitors say is “strong of culture and loose of hips.” Taking a tour of Cuba in a 1950s automobile as its muscle motor roars around the nigh grimy grandeur of the country’s capital’s backstreets is a vintage venture.

16. Cuddle With Whales, Mexico

There are numerous places you can go whale-watching. There are only a few places you can hug them. Baja California is one such place.  Visit from December through April.

That’s when the great grey whales gather in San Ignacio Lagoon to mate, give birth, raise their young, and apparently have a good time. They also bump into boats and surface close to people inviting strokes and pats. February through April is the best month but trips sell out literally years in advance.

17. Get The Northern Lights On Camera

Get a super shot of the Northern Lights. In this Instagram era, you can’t simply see the world’s best light show, you need a social media-worthy picture of it as well. So sign up for an aurora photography tour. You can get photo tips and explore the Arctic wilderness of Canada, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The best times to see the Northern Lights are either October to November or February to March depending on your country of choice.

18. See An Eclipse In Antarctica, Argentina, Or Australia

These are the best places to be to see an eclipse. Those in the know, say that to fully appreciate the effect of an eclipse, you should be “somewhere in the path of the solar maximum.” Sign up for an “expert-led eclipse-watching trip.” The next one will be on December 14 in Argentina. If that’s too soon, head for Australia on May 26, 2021. Finally, you can experience a total eclipse in Antarctica in December of 2021.

19. Enjoy The Foliage Along The Appalachian Trail, US

Take it from your rovin’ writer, visiting New England towns in the fall to see all the colors might sound romantic, but you can take in all the fall beauty on this trail without dealing with traffic and tons of other leaf looky-loos. Celebrate the multi-colored demise of New England’s trees up close and personal on foot by hiking and camping along this trail. Take the brilliant 43+ mile stretch of the trail running between the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Vermont border starting in mid-September.

20. Cruise Through Glacier National Park, US

Here you can take in the sight of all the retreating ice. Take the roughly 50-mile long Going-to-the-Sun Road through the scenic mountains of north-west Montana. Because portions of it are difficult to clear of winter snowfalls, the best time to visit is actually after mid-June but before late September. You will see the rapidly retreating Jackson Glacier and negotiate the hairpin turns of Logan Pass too. Allow yourself two hours of driving time and additional time for optional travel stops.

21. Spot A Spirit Bear, Canada

See rare bears in British Columbia. The Great Bear Rainforest is where the unusual ursines known as Kermode (or “spirit”) bears live. These black bears have a recessive gene that causes almost 10 percent of them to be a pale cream color.

At last report, less than 400 of them existed. The best place to see them is near Klemtu. The best time to travel here is between late August and mid-October when returning salmon draw the bears to the river.

22. Ride The Famous Trans-Siberian, Russia/China

Aerosmith once sang: “Life’s a journey, not a destination.” The lyrical axiom certainly applies to traveling on the Trans-Siberian train journey from Moscow to Beijing. Experience this old school six-night, 7,621-kilometer atmospheric train trip past birch trees, grassy steppe, Lake Baikal, yurt camps, the Gobi Desert, and camel herds. See it all from the cozy confines of a cabin shared with anyone from Russian businessmen to Buddhist monks.

23. Raft Down The Zambezi River, Zambia

The Zambezi River is located in south-eastern Africa. You can take a short raft run out of Livingstone or a multi-day camping trip. You can spot crocodiles on the banks and lazy hippos in the channels. You’ll take on the rapids known as The Devil’s Toilet Bowl and Oblivion. The best time to book your rafting trip is during the low water season between the months of August and December.

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The high design of modern metropolises is often an awesome sight. Nevertheless, there is also something to be said for impressive ancient destinations where the structures have stood for literally hundreds or even thousands of years. Here then, in no particular order, are eight ancient cities to add to your personal travel wish list.

1. Tiwanaku, Bolivia

The city of Tiwanaku is located near famous Lake Titicaca within Western Bolivia. This pre-Columbian adobe city was founded circa 500 AD. Still standing today, it was once the official capital of a strong pre-Hispanic ancient empire that controlled a huge portion of the well-known southern Andes and beyond.

It reached its pinnacle sometime between 501 and 899 AD. Today this ancient metropolis might look a bit more than a modern art installation than the powerful city it once was. The mighty monumental remnants represent a physical tribute to the political and cultural import of the civilization. Be sure to take a guided tour of the popular sandstone Pyramid of Akapana and all the temples too.

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Rome, Italy

The capital city of Rome in Italy makes almost any travel expert’s list of top ancient cities. After all, “all roads lead to Rome”, right? It was reportedly founded in 753 BC by the twins known as Remus and Romulus.

Rome blends the very best of the old — the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum — with the new — the Fendi-sponsored Caravaggio Research Institute. Ah, but there’s more! Foodies praise the delicacies available at the Gelateria del Teatro, which serves up fresh lemon gelato made with the fruit from the famous Amalfi Coast. Other highlights here include the Scuderie del Quirinale, Villa Madama, Villa Farnesina, the Church of Sant’Agostino, and the big commemorative Raphael exhibition.

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Anciet Choquequirao, Peru

Choquequirao is a once lost city high in the well-known Andes. Specifically, this stone mountaintop metropolis is ensconced in southern Peru’s Vilcabamba mountain range within the district of Santa Teresa. The ruins of this Incan site are terraces and buildings both above and below Sunch’u Pata.

The architecture and structure here are much like Machu Picchu but much of it remains undiscovered. At press time, archeologists have unearthed only about 30 percent of it due to the remoteness of the area. Rarely do more than 30 travelers visit this place each day (compared to the 2,500 who visit Machu Picchu). Presently only accessible via a two-day hike from Cusco, a tourist cable car is in the works.

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  Pompeii, Italy

The ancient, volcano-stricken city of Pompeii can be found near the city of Naples in Italy’s Campania region. Pompeii, Herculaneum, and a number of neighboring villas were entombed beneath four to six meters (13 to 19+ feet) of pumice and volcanic ash during the AD 79 eruption of infamous Mount Vesuvius. Much was surprisingly preserved under all the ash, thus the now excavated location offers a distinct snapshot of ancient Roman life.

Pompeii is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s biggest tourist attractions. Roughly 2.5 million travelers visit this place every year. Local highlights include the Stabian Baths, the Scavi di Pompei and the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Rosary.

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Cahokia, Illinois

St. Louis is not what comes to most people’s minds when they hear the phrase “ancient city.” Nevertheless, Cahokia is an ancient, pre-Columbian Native American settlement found in western Illinois across the Mississippi River between Collinsville and East St. Louis. Reported to have been active between 1049 and 1351 CE, it remains the largest of its kind north of Mexico. Quite influential in its day, it spanned an area of 2,200 acres (or approximately three and a half square miles). and had a total population of more than 20,000. Be sure not to miss the rebuilt Woodhenge, an eye-catching circle of several wooden posts that was once used in order to track the stars.

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Ancient Delphi, Greece

Also once known as Pytho, Delphi is a famous ancient sanctuary that became both influential and popular as the seat of the high priestess and oracle Pythia. The olden Greeks considered Delphi to be the very center of the world itself and erected the stone monument called the omphalos (or navel) to signify that belief. Additionally, Apollo — the Greek god of archery, dance, music, prophecy, and truth — was said to have lived on this legendary mountaintop perch. Be sure to brave the steep hike to the top of the Delphi Ruins too which date back to the 300s. After you’ve explored this official UNESCO World Heritage Site, don’t forget to visit the popular Delphi Archaeological Museum as well.

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Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a well-known temple complex situated in Cambodia. Once the established ninth-century capital of the historic Khmer Empire, it covered a space of 154 square miles. The Temple of Angkor Wat took three decades to construct. It includes two different styles of Khmer architecture: the galleried temple and the earlier temple-mountain architecture.

It was first built to be a Hindu temple and formally dedicated to the Indian god Vishnu. As the 12th century came to a close it re-established as a Buddhist temple. To this day it remains the largest religious structure on the planet. Make sure that you stop at the Bayon Temple, too, and check out the 200 carved stone faces on the outside of the building.

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Petra, Jordan

First known as Raqmu, Petra is an archaeological and historic city located in southern Jordan. The temples and tombs found in Petra were actually hand-carved into the salmon-colored sandstone of this ex-Nabatean Kingdom sometime around 300 BC. Veteran visitors say that one of the most inspiring sites here is The Treasury or Al-Khazneh.

You should also stop by the popular Street of Facadese and the well-known Colonnaded Street, with its memorable towering columns erected by the Romans back in 106 AD. Petra was declared an official UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 6, 1985. Some travelers even consider it to be one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.”

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