Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.
Prepare for adventure and discover some destinations to add to your bucket list. Need some travel inspiration? A travel bucket list shouldn’t just be about different countries. It should engage all the senses. So here’s our round-the-world list.
1. Machu Picchu
Explore the mysterious “Lost City of the Incas” in Machu Picchu. If you’re feeling brave, hike the Inca trail or take a more leisurely journey by bus to reach the spectacular view of the Inca village beneath the glorious Andes. Hire a local guide to explore the ruins and enjoy two to three educational hours in this magnificent place.
2. Paris
Paris is on nearly everyone’s travel bucket list. Enjoy the cozy cafes and sip delicious coffee while gazing at the sparkling lights on the Eiffel Tower. Listen to the Parisians’ delicious French accents. “C’est magnifique.” Walk along the Seine and stroll around Luxembourg Gardens. Take the bustling metro and take in the historic charm of the Paris museums. There’s so much to do in Paris. Recapture the romance of your youth and leave France feeling revitalized.
3. London
Add the capital of the United Kingdom to your baby boomer bucket list if you’ve never visited London. It’s a cultured city replete with history and art. Choose from over 20 museums, including the renowned National Gallery and British Museum. Other venues not to be missed include the Tower of London, the Churchill War Rooms, and Westminster Abbey.
London has an excellent public transportation network, with two airports (Gatwick and Heathrow) and many taxi cabs and buses. If you fancy a shopping spree, grab your wallet and head to Harrods, “the” luxury department store in Knightsbridge.
4. Bologna, Italy
Bologna is a culinary playground for tourists with some of the best cuisine in Italy. It has an abundance of architectural and cultural treasures, over 50 museums, and miles of delightful, public, covered walkways.
Don’t leave without visiting Piazza Maggiore, the magnificent epicenter of Bologna that is much more than your average city square. Breathe in centuries of tradition and culture and create lasting memories.
5. Greece
If you enjoy quiet beaches, clear seas, and azure skies, go to the Greek Isles. Escape the hustle and bustle of life and soak in the romantic ambiance. Enjoy fresh food, first-class lodging, and a warm welcome. Rent a car and travel the islands to see cliff colors that dazzle the senses.
6. Antarctica
Antarctica is a stunning place to add to your bucket list if you’re looking for a grand adventure. If money is no object, consider a luxury expedition cruise. Antarctica’s white-covered mountains and icebergs rising out of the sea are like nowhere else in the world. Watch for playful whales and frolicking seals from the ship. If you feel like pursuing a real adventure, hire a kayak and explore the hidden coves. Going to Antarctica is a trip that will satisfy even the worldliest traveler and will inspire you to look for more from your baby boomer adventures.
7. China
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip to China. Starting in Hong Kong, enjoy delicious cuisine, fantastic shopping, and stunning harbor views from Victoria Peak. Visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China’s imperial capital. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk along the Great Wall. It’s 4,000 miles long, so enjoy the dramatic views, but don’t plan to hike the entire wall. Wrap up your travels with a trip to Shanghai to enjoy China’s largest city.
8. Bora Bora
For a romantic destination, head to Bora Bora. Stay in a private, dreamy, overwater bungalow built on stilts overlooking a crystal clear lagoon. It’s the perfect location to renew your vows, celebrate your retirement, or reignite the passion of your younger years. Bora Bora is a luxury trip, but you deserve something special.
9. Croatia
Croatian cities have centuries of history and splendid architecture. Escape the cities and visit the stunning National Park waterfalls. The popular “Game of Thrones” series filmed many scenes in this magnificent venue. Take a boat trip (book a high-speed boat for a two-hour journey from Rovinj to Venice), and enjoy every moment of the glorious Croatian coastlines.
10. Costa Rica
There is so much to experience in Costa Rica. Whether you love sprawling coastlines, jungles and rainforests, steaming volcanoes, or hot springs, there’s something for everyone. Observe various land animals, such as wildcats, sloths, and monkeys. Or, head to the water to watch whales and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Costa Rica is a five-star experience with luxurious resorts catering to your every whim.
11. Iceland and the Northern Lights
Is a trip to see the aurora borealis on your wishlist? If so, visit Iceland during the winter when you are more likely to experience this feast of colors in the sky. September to March is the best time. If you want a five-star luxury stay, consider the Silica Hotel. Head to Iceland’s most visited otherworldly attraction and dip in the 102-degree lagoon.
12. Egypt
If the pyramids, the Nile, and the Great Sphinx appeal to your senses, add Egypt to your list. Visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum is a must for museum-loving travelers. It has over 20,000 artifacts on display, including over 5,000 from Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb. There are planned group trips available that take care of transfers, meals, entry tickets, and other arrangements so you can relax and enjoy your visit to Egypt.
13. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler voted this location “Best City in the World” for two consecutive years. It’s a fantastic destination for art lovers, with over 100 art galleries you can visit. Enjoy colonial architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, and delicious food. If you fancy an educational trip, you could choose from art, cooking, writing, yoga, history classes, and more. There’s something for all baby boomers in San Miguel de Allende.
14. Ireland
Ireland is a cornucopia of lush green fields. Visit Dublin, Belfast, Kilkenny, Killarney and County Cork. Go to an Irish pub for a glass of Guinness, listening to lilting traditional Irish music. Or take in historical sites, monuments, beaches, and waterfalls. You can even stay in a castle, including Carton House, Adare Manor, or Dromoland.
15. Africa
The thrills of Africa are unrivaled. Plan a guided safari trip to see wild animals like elephants, wildebeest, lions, giraffes, and hippos in their natural habitat. Enjoy the comfort of a luxury lodge, some with regular visits from curious giraffes. The Kenya Wildlife all-inclusive safari is popular with baby boomers, not least because it includes visiting the Elephant Orphans Nursery.
