Around the World in One Sitting: 7 Bucket List Destinations You Need to Visit
With 2025 just around the corner – how quick has this year gone by the way – we’re here with all the travel inspo you need to plan your next adventure!
Grab a cup of tea and some biscuits and let’s embark on a whirlwind tour of some of the most awe-inspiring destinations on the planet (if we do say so ourselves!). From ancient temples to exotic wildlife and spectacular landscapes, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Tanzania, Peru, and Panama all hold unique charms. Get ready to imagine yourself exploring these unforgettable locations and uncover what makes each one a true bucket list destination.
A Land of Smiles and Rich Culture
We start our journey in Thailand, a place known for its welcoming locals, stunning natural beauty and mouth-watering food. Thailand combines incredible beaches, bustling urban scenes, and serene countryside into one destination that never disappoints.
Bucket List Attractions:
As the capital city Bangkok is an obvious must-see. Dazzling with intricate temples like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, alongside buzzing markets and world-renowned street food, it ticks all the boxes for a top tourist attraction. However, go off the beaten track and travel north, and you’ll find Thailand’s hidden gem... Chiang Mai! Nestled in the mountains, Chiang Mai (in our opinion) is seriously underrated. It’s a gateway to serene temples, elephant sanctuaries, traditional Lanna (Hill Tribe) culture, and the first stop on your Global Citizenship journey before travelling to our Hub in Mae Sariang.
Experiences Not to Miss:
Our Thailand Elephant & Hill Tribes Challenge is your opportunity to join a global movement against animal cruelty as you interact with and learn about elephants within an ethical setting. You’ll also get a glimpse into Lanna culture, as you immerse yourself in village life, using your passion and skills to help improve access to quality education in these remote areas.
A Land of Temples and History
Our next stop is Cambodia, home to one of the most iconic structures in the world: Angkor Wat! Cambodia offers a profound blend of history, spirituality, and resilience, making it an essential stop on any global citizenship journey.
Bucket List Attractions:
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument, surrounded by lush jungles and adorned with exquisite carvings. The nearby city of Siem Reap is perfect for exploring this vast temple complex and learning about the ancient Khmer civilization, while also getting your shopping fix at the night markets (great for local handicrafts and art) and relaxing at one of the many traditional massage parlours.
Experiences Not to Miss:
Based in Battambang, our Cambodia Community Challenge offers a unique insight into rural life. Spend your days facilitating workshops at our local partner schools, designed to inspire local learners in their education! Then, in your free time, delve deeper into Khmer culture as you try your hand at traditional cooking classes, visit local art galleries and ride the infamous bamboo train.
A Kaleidoscope of Colour and Culture
Welcome to India, a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions and modern innovations coexist. India’s diversity is nothing short of astounding, with every state offering a unique flavour of culture, language, and landscapes.
Bucket List Attractions:
The list is endless... Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra make up the famed “Golden Triangle,” home to the opulent Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s pink-hued palaces, and Delhi’s historic forts. Mumbai is a foodie’s heaven, filled with tasty treasures – from cheap eats and incredible street food to fine dining restaurants that have put the city on the map for global diners seeking more luxurious culinary experiences. Travel north and, similarly to Thailand, you escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reach the jaw-dropping foothills of the Himalayas! A part of the world at the top of every adventurer's bucket list.
Experiences Not to Miss:
Our India Himalaya Challenge is an unforgettable experience for any traveller. You’ll spend 3-weeks fully immersed in India’s vibrant culture, fostering meaningful connections with the local community and embarking on a once in a lifetime trek through the Himalayas. This experience is not only your opportunity to tick off a major bucket list item, but also allows you to make a positive impact on the lives as others.
A Breath-Taking Spiritual Haven
Just a short flight from India brings us to Nepal, a mountainous country where spirituality and nature are seamlessly intertwined. With the world’s highest peaks and one of the most diverse cultures, Nepal is a top destination for nature, travel, food, shopping, trekking, art, music lovers (basically everyone!).
Bucket List Attractions:
Kathmandu’s ancient temples and stupas create a magical ambiance. Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and the medieval city of Bhaktapur (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of our programs) offer a glimpse into Nepal’s rich heritage. Did you know: Across every day of the year, there is a celebration somewhere in Nepal! So, no matter when you choose to travel, you’re in for a real treat!
Experiences Not to Miss:
Our Nepal Sustainability Challenge is your chance to take climate action into your own hands. Despite its breath-taking natural landscapes, Nepal suffers from severe pollution. By donating some of your travel adventure to help implement sustainable initiatives, you’ll not only enhance your experience and develop your skills, but you’ll play your part in saving one of the worlds natural beauties.
The Ultimate Safari Adventure
From Asia, we fly to Tanzania, a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and those in search of natural wonders. Known for the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania embodies the spirit of wild Africa.
Bucket List Attractions:
The Serengeti National Park, with its annual Great Migration, is one of the most remarkable natural spectacles on Earth! There’re also the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, where turquoise waters meet swaying palm trees, as well as Maasai culture, offering a glimpse into the unique dialects, culture and traditions of East-African tribes.
Experiences Not to Miss:
Our Tanzania Health Promotion Challenge provides an opportunity to develop your skills, gain some awesome experience and embark on the ultimate travel adventure! Impacting overall community health starts with awareness, and you’ll be at the forefront of change as you help to implement health education initiatives in Arusha.
Ancient Civilizations and Majestic Andes
Our journey continues in Peru, where mystical ruins, vibrant cities, and lush jungles await. Peru’s rich history, especially that of the Inca Empire, is visible throughout the country, making it an unforgettable destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Bucket List Attractions:
Machu Picchu is the crown jewel, a stunning Inca citadel set high in the Andes, accessible via the famed Inca Trail, or the less renowned but just as impressive Salkantay Trek. Lima, the capital, combines colonial architecture with a thriving culinary scene, while Cusco serves as a cultural hub for travellers (a short distance from where our community projects are based, and a great central location for other must-see sites, such as Rainbow Mountain and the Sacred Valley).
Experiences Not to Miss:
It’s no surprise that our Machu Picchu Challenge is one of our most popular programs... As a Global Citizen, this experience has everything you should be looking for when planning your next adventure: sustainable travel (all our programs are carbon neutral), community engagement and development, as well as the once in a lifetime trek to Machu Picchu!
Where Nature and Urban Energy Collide
Finally, we arrive in Panama, a country of lush rainforests, thriving cities, and a fascinating mix of cultures. Known as the “Bridge of the Americas,” Panama offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication.
Bucket List Attractions:
The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel, where visitors can watch enormous ships pass through its locks. Panama City’s Casco Viejo is a beautifully preserved colonial district with vibrant bars, cafes, and shops, whereas the Chiriquí Highlands provide excellent hiking, coffee tours, and encounters with exotic wildlife like howler monkeys and tropical birds.
Experiences Not to Miss:
Our Panama Sustainability Challenge is the ultimate sustainable travel adventure! As you work to regrow the Spider Monkey’s natural habitat through tree-planting activities and raise environmental awareness amongst the local community, this adventure not only takes you to an extraordinary part of the world but takes you beyond a typical tourist holiday and allows you to make a positive impact on the world.
Each of these destinations brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the spiritual energy of Nepal, the vibrant culture of Thailand, or the ancient landscapes of Peru. For anyone who dreams of purposeful travel, these countries are perfect starting points, offering experiences that enrich and transform the soul.
This is our reminder that travel is not only a remarkable way to experience the world’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories, but it’s something that helps you find purpose as you broaden your perspectives and understand your role as Global Citizen.
So, are you ready to pack your bags and start ticking these incredible places off your bucket list? Because the world is waiting, and it’s more amazing than you could ever imagine!