My Ultimate Travel Bucket List

There are 196 countries in the world. I’ve been to 40 (2020 update:47). I guess I still have quite a few to tick off my bucket list . (I used to be an auditor in a previous life so don’t blame me for the checklist attitude.)

This post is different from my usual posts because it’s about the places I haven’t been to not the places I have. I’m hoping that putting it out to the universe will make me achieve it quicker.

If I didn’t have any commitments – like school-going children, work etc, I’d probably take a year off and see it all, but since I’m restricted to school holidays, I guess that won’t be possible.

See the ultimate bucket list of 100 things to do before you die.

So without further ado, here is my:

Bucket (short) list of destinations

Beyond Africa

Spain

Spain has so much history and culture. It looks absolutely fascinating. I want to see Alhambra Palace in Granada, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and so much more.  I visited Spain in December 2019.

Alhambra palace at night, Granada, Spain Bucket List

South America

I haven’t been to this continent yet. It has so much natural beauty and history and I want to see it with my own eyes. Iguazu Falls, the Amazon Rainforest, Macchu Picchu, beautiful Venezuela – there’s just so much to see there.

Update:January 2018 I've just been to a few countries in South America.

Iguassu Falls is the largest series of waterfalls on the planet, located in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Bucket List

Japan

It looks so exotic. The picturesque scenery, the cherry blossoms, the Japanese architecture all look amazing. When I go, this is the kind of itinerary I'd want to follow.

Bucket List

Japan

Scotland

I want to take long road trips in Scotland over the Scottish Highlands, see old castles and perhaps the Loch Ness Monster too.

Edinburgh Castle on a beautiful clear, crisp fall day. Scotland Sara Essop

Australia

Australia is another continent I haven’t been to. I want to see the Sydney harbour, the Great Barrier Reef, the Australian outback, the kangaroos and the koala bears.

the scenery of sydney opera house Australia Bucket List

Thailand 

Thailand is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. I want to go and experience it for myself. I want to feel the frenetic energy of Bangkok and relax on the beautiful beaches of Phuket.

I just knocked Thailand off my bucket list. See my Thailand posts here.

My Ultimate Travel Bucket List 1

In Africa

Mauritius

I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t been to Mauritius yet. (Don't judge). It’s usually the first international destination that most South Africans go to when they start travelling. I want to see the giant water lilies, the Seven Coloured Earth and the turquoise waters. I was invited on a press trip there once but I already had plans for that period so I couldn’t go. Maybe one day, I’ll get there. 2019 Update: Mauritius ticked off, yay!

Close up of colored Seven Earths of Chamarel, a geological phenomenon created by volcanic activity and different cooling times. Mauritius, Indian Ocean. Bucket List

Reunion

Reunion looks beautiful. I’d love to see the incredible scenery, the volcanoes, the canyons and the lagoons…. (2024 Update - I visited Reunion)

Reunion Bucket List

Namibia

Namibia is one of South Africa’s neighbours but I haven’t been there yet. I want to do a road trip there and see Sossusvlei, and Etosha National Park. 

(2018 update: I visited Namibia this year. See my posts here.)

Here is my bucket list of experiences

I want to

…see the Northern Lights

...travel along the Silk Route

…get sprayed by the Niagara Falls

…see a tiger in the wild

…marvel at the splendour of Macchu Picchu

...see all new 7 wonders of the world (I have seen 5)

...go on a Gulf cruise

… float in a hot air balloon over Cappadoccia

… to do a road trip across the USA

…discover the ancient wonders of the Nile River on a Luxor to Aswan cruise.

…to ride on the Trans-Siberian Express

…witness the wildebeest migration.

...sail along the Chobe River in a houseboat.

...ride the world's fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World

...visit all seven continents (I've been to five).

What is on your bucket list ? Let me know below.

Click here for my reverse bucket list.

One comment on “My Ultimate Travel Bucket List”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Subscribe

    Join 100,000+ Followers

    Subscribe to blog form
  • Get the best accommodation deals



  • Get the best flight deals

    Best flight deals
  • Get your free South Africa bucket list guide

    Things you must do in South Africa

    Subscribe to blog form
  • Copyright © 2025 by Sara Essop. 
    The content on this website may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of Sara Essop.
    Privacy Policy
    linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram