SarahIn October 2017 Markus and I started on our extended honeymoon – we were traveling around the world for nine months! During this time we have been on every continent (okay, excluding Antarctica) and it has been a hell of a time!
Now, everyone always asks us: “What country did you like most?”. Of course, this question is impossible to answer! But at least, I am able to name a few experiences that were especially exceptional for us. And this is how I created this bucket list. There are a million other things I would love to do – and that I will probably do in the future.
But let’s first start with the 30 most amazing things we did during this trip. Take it as an inspiration for you, which experiences could fit your world trip travel bucket list! (Actually I wanted this list to contain 10 items in the beginning. But then I realized we did too many awesome things!) As this list is simply chronological, there is no rating to it 🙂
Table of Contents
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Exploring Mauritius’ Natural Highlights
Mauritius was our very first stop on our honeymoon and so we decided to splurge a bit and stayed at the beautiful Le Meridien Mauritius (highly recommended!).
But of course, we did not stay at the hotel all the time! We also rented a scooter and drove around the island ourselves. One day, we also organized a driver that showed us some of the more remote sites – like the beautiful Tamarin waterfalls!
Mauritius is full of natural beauty (and thus should be on every world trip travel bucket list!) – so this country deserves more than just a beach holiday!
Read more about this: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Mauritius (updated)
Cuddling Lion Babies in Johannesburg
Near Johannesburg, you can play with Lion babies if you are lucky! When we visited the Lion & Safari Park we were lucky as they had lion cubs at the right age.
As always with animal activities I checked the web thoroughly before – and Lion&Safari Park really has a good reputation for caring about their animals. The time and number of visitors that can visit the lion cubs are also limited and there is always a knowledgable guide with you.
But be careful, those little ones are already pretty strong – and they apparently love chewing shoes!
From Johannesburg, we then went on to Capetown by train
Hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town
Initially, we planned on taking the cable car – but then we decided to hike up Table Mountain from the botanical gardens near Constantia (we took Skeleton George route) – and it took a little less than 3 hours to get up!
And while hiking we had beautiful views over Cape Town – definitely worth it! Plus, we heard that people sometimes line up for almost 3 hours at peak times! So better hike up yourself!
Self-Drive Safari in Kruger National Park
Our next stop in South Africa was Kruger National Park – and this is best done by a self-drive safari! Simply get a small (!) car, book some camps and go, find the big five! (We actually saw all of them!)
Driving around Kruger on your own is fun and saves you money. Plus, it just feels so much more exciting! If going to Africa, this is a must on your world trip travel bucket list!
It’s a bit of an organizational thing to prepare for – but it is certainly worth it!
Read more: The Secret Guide to Booking Accommodation in Kruger National Park (updated)
Rafting the Iguazu Falls
If you go to Brazil or Argentina, you simply need to see Iguazu Falls!
When Eleanor Roosevelt saw them the first time, she allegedly just said “Poor Niagara Falls!”. Well, I haven’t seen the Niagara Falls yet – but the Iguazu Falls were breathtaking!
And on the Argentinian side, you can go on a rafting boat and drive around at the bottom of the falls! You will get seriously wet – and have so much fun!!!
Also, check this full guide to the amazing Iguazu Falls!
Doing a wine hike in Cafayate, Argentina
Mendoza isn’t the only wine region in Argentina! They might be well known – but the region of Cafayate has one major advantage over Mendoza: You can walk from winery to winery!
The region produces high altitude wines (yummy!) and most wineries are either IN town or very close to it!
Apparently, not a lot of people do hike there though – we mainly saw people with a car and a driver. But it was a lot of fun this way!
(Well, at least until it started to rain – and the Argentinian police tried to heroically save us and almost broke their car while doing it. Okay wait, actually, that was fun too because we didn’t need to be saved and they were super funny and brought us back to the last winery we passed…)
Taking A Jeep Tour in the Salar De Uyuni
One of the main reasons people come to Bolivia is visiting the Altiplano and more specifically, the Salar de Uyuni. The Salar de Uyuni is a giant Salt Falt – and you have seen pictures of it all over Instagram, I am sure!
However, there is much more to see in the Salar de Uyuni – there are volcanoes, hot springs, llamas and alpacas and lagunes in all possible colors!
It’s hard to describe all of it – but it was well worth being part of this world trip travel bucket list!
We started from Tupiza and not from Uyuni – this way our jeep tour lasted 4 days and we were at the sights at different times than the crowds from Uyuni. If you can fit it in your schedule – do it this way! It is definitely worth the few extra bucks! And bring a drone if you have one – if not, see my recommendation!
Exploring the ruins of Macchu Picchu
Ever seen a travel bucket list containing South America without Macchu Picchu? Well, that’s for a reason: it is breathtaking and you need to get there too!
Since I was having trouble with the hight already in Bolivia we decided against doing the Inca Trail and took the train from Ollantaytambo (cheaper than from Cusco!) and explored the ruins in the afternoon.
We were lucky to find a knowledgeable guide at the entrance that told us a lot about what we are seeing.
Guides are supposed to be mandatory now, but no ones care. However, I think in this case it was worth having one!
Celebrating Christmas in the oasis of Huacachina
Yes, we spent Christmas in the desert! The oasis of Huacachina in Peru is a place like that feels somewhat surreal! A friend was visiting and traveling with us for three weeks.
So we spent Christmas Eve on top of one of the sand dunes, drinking beer and watching the sun go down over the desert. And we made a lot of new friends – because we crazy nuts had baked cookies at the hotel kitchen and had our UE Boom with Christmas songs with us! 🙂
But of course, Huacachina is fun without Christmas as well 🙂
Partying on New Years Eve in Cartagena
Cartagena in Colombia is a hot spot for New Year’s Eve in South America for a reason! The climate is just perfect for being outside and so the whole city turns into a giant outdoor party!
We organized last minute tickets for the New Years Party at the Hard Rock Café in Cartagena (we are huge fans of Hard Rock Café!) and this also came with an awesome dinner! White is the color to wear on that day – so I went shopping before in the beautiful colonial town of course!
Cartagena can be incredibly crowded around New Year’s Eve – so you better book early!
Going on a diving safari in Parque Tayrona, Colombia
Even though we are luxury travel bloggers, we also do a lot of stuff that is not luxury. Just because of the experience that comes with it – like our diving safari in Parque Tayrona!
There is only one dive center that offers this type of trip – and the only accommodation they offer is hammocks. Diving in Parque Tayrona is superior – so we decided to go with this anyway.
Let’s say – hammocks are not as comfortable for sleeping as I thought they were… 😀
Visiting the land of the Kuna in Panama (San Blas Islands)
Remember “Pirates of the Carribean”? Although it was not shot here – it easily could have been!
The San Blas Islands belong to the Kuna Indians and they have exclusive rights to operating business there! It is a group of over 350+ islands – most of them uninhabited or so small, that they only host one or two families!
And they are just like you would expect them to look like in a high glossy travel magazine – pure white sand, coconut palms, and turquoise water!
The best way to organize this trip is going to Panama City and getting an organized tour from there (you can’t visit on your own anyway)
Taking Photos at the Museum of Ice Cream
This will fill your Instagrammers Soul with Joy. Or, as long as you are a girl and love pink.
Markus was very brave to go there with me – but he did not like it at all. He said this place is probably hell for every Instahubby (he also hates that word :D)
It is not really a museum – and it is only partly about ice cream. The Museum of Ice Cream is more like an art installation – made for shooting Instagram pictures.
If you plan to go there – you need to book your tickets online in advance! As this is a traveling exhibition, you have to check in which city it is currently – it was on Miami Beach when I was there (but isn’t anymore).
Cruising the Bahamas
Going on a cruise was a pretty spontaneous decision while we were in Panama. I am a big fan of cruises (yes, I admit it!) and I have already been cruising with Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) the year before.
So when I saw their last-minute offer for a 4-days Bahamas Cruise – it was set! And guess what – we loved our trip with NCL to the Bahamas!
We absolutely loved the luxury of Freestyle dining and Norwegians Open Bar (which they now changed to their “Free At Sea” concept).
The only thing that we really were sad about was that we missed the opportunity to dive in the Bahamas – there are so many magnificent dive sites in the Bahamas!
And the most awesome thing aside from being at drop-dead gorgeous beaches and exploring a new country – we made so many new friends! We even still have an active Whatsapp group and are still thinking about doing another cruise together again!
Read: Review of Norwegian Cruise Lines
Driving around in an Oldtimer in Havana, Cuba
When we went to Cuba the first time in 2011 it was quite a different country.
Luckily, the classic oldtimer cars are still around and so this time, we didn’t skip driving around in one of them! Of course, we didn’t drive it ourselves – you need to get a driver. You can find them pretty much anywhere around Havana Vieja – but haggle hard if you don’t want to be the dumb tourist!
Swimming in Cenotes in Mexico
Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with freshwater – and they are an otherworldly experience!
The water in a cenote is so clear, you can’t really believe it!
Visibility is around 50m (if you are a diver, you know how rare this is!). When we were in Mexico, we visited numerous cenotes – for swimming and for diving – and it never gets old!
Most of the cenotes aren’t expensive either – so you can do many of them!
Wandering around Laguna Colorada in Valladolid
No, the watercolor is not photoshopped – the Laguna Colorada in Yucatan, Mexico is really pink! It is a saline that has been there for hundreds of years!
You are not allowed to go into the water as it is used for producing salt – but you can snap a few pics close to it without any problems!
Getting there is not that easy though – best is if you place yourself in Valladolid and then organize your transfer yourself. You need to take two busses to get there – this is a whole day trip!
Going on a Roadtrip in New Zealand
A world trip travel bucket list without a road trip? No way! This was definitely the perfect way to explore New Zealand.
We only had about three weeks so we decided to stay on the North Island only – and there was A LOT to see!
One of the must-go is the wine region of Napier and the Hobbiton Movie set (unless you did not watch “The Hobbit” – as apparently 25% of the visitors!)
Read more about this:
Soaking in Natural Hot Springs in New Zealand
Yes, this water was actually almost too hot to stand there for longer!
It’s hard to believe that rivers and waterfalls can feel like a hot tub – until you go to the region of Taupo/Rotorua in New Zealand. There is kind of a sulfurous smell in the air – but otherwise, this free spa is just incredible!
There is also a lot of awesome volcanic landscapes around – like Craters of the Moon!
Roadtripping the Gold Coast to Syndey
As we loved road tripping in New Zealand – guess what we did when we came to Australia. Exactly, we got a campervan again!
And since one of the girls that became our friend on the Bahamas cruise was living near Brisbane, we flew to the Gold Coast, picked her up and cruised down along the coast to Sydney!
Must-stops on this route are for sure the wine region of Hunter Valley (yes, I like good wine!) and Instagram’s darling Byron Bay!
And don’t forget to get close to Koalas and Wallabies – they are soooooo cute!
Flying Singapore Airlines Suites Class
This had already been on our bucket list way before we even planned our world trip!
Having traveled business class fairly often while still working as a management consultant, we didn’t want less than one of the best airline products available. Maybe only topped by Etihad “The Residence”, this would be Singapore Airlines Suites Class!
The Suites are almost like a private room and they come with a full double bed. The Service is outstanding – and so is the food and the drinks. Already before departure from Changi Airport, we spent hours in the exclusive “Private Room” – I think I never had so much Champagne in my life in 24h! Bucket list, check!
Read more about this: What it’s like to travel Singapore’s Suites Class
Going Shopping in Shanghai
Did you know that Shanghai is also called the “Paris of the East”? That’s right, Shanghai is a real shopper’s paradise!
Not only is there a lot of international brands – but there are also small alleys with cute, original shops and some Chinese curiosities. Definitely plan some time for shopping when going there!
We stayed at the Hotel Pravo All Suites in the North Bund area and loved it!
Read more about this:
- Top Things To Do in Shanghai
- Review: Hotel Pravo All Suites Shanghai
- Review: Haidilao Hot Pot Restaurant
Sleeping in a Japanese Ryokan
Sleeping in a Japanese Ryokan is actually not the easiest thing to do for Western Travelers as a lot of Ryokan owners speak limited to no English.
When we visited Japan I researched a lot until I found the perfect place for us – and the Takaragawa Onsen and Ryokan did not disappoint me!
Read more about this:
- Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku Ryokan – stay like a local in Japan
- Ryokanikette – How to survive your first stay in a Ryokan
- North-East of Japan with JR East-South Hokkaido Railpass
Wearing a Kimono in Japan
This was already our second visit to Japan – and this time I was determined to wearing a Kimono!
It was not as easy to organize as I thought as we were limited in time – but luckily I found Kimono Rental Yae online and could still book a date with them while being in Tokyo!
I have to say, it is not easy being a curvy woman – but they managed to fit me in one quite well!
Read more about this: Geisha for one day – Kimono Rental Yae in Tokyo
Exploring Taipei’s Night markets
Our next stop after Japan was Taiwan – or more specifically, Taipei!
One of the things I absolutely love about Asia are night markets. And everyone who knows me knows that I am a foodie too! So, a food tour of a night market? Deal, you got me!
Read more about this: Explore Taipei’s food by night – A review of Withlocals.com
Going on a sailing expedition with Tao Philippines
Words can’t describe how much fun it was to cruise with Tao Philippines from El Nido to Coron in Palawan, Philippines!
This eco-conscious company offers three-night trips with a traditional philippine outrigger boat across the stunning Linapacan Islands. You will sleep in huts on the beach, snorkel around pristine aquamarine waters and have the time of your life with the other “expedition crew” – promised!
Read more about this: Tao Philippines – five days in paradise with the lost boys
Plunging around waterfalls in the Philippines
Time for you to get wet! The Philippines have some of the most amazing waterfalls I have seen in my life! The only place that rivals the Philippines in terms of gorgeous waterfalls is Bali!
If you go to Cebu – visiting the Kawasan waterfalls near Moalboal is a must. Be prepared to go there early – or it will be crowded as hell! And on Siquijor Island there is actually a bunch of undiscovered small waterfalls that you can have completely for your own!
Read: Instaworthy Kawasan Falls – how to best visit these gorgeous waterfalls!
Exploring Bohol, Philippines on a scooter
Bohol Island is most famous for the chocolate hills – but there is even more to discover on this pretty little Philippine Island!
You can easily reach it from Cebu or Siquijor Island – two to three days is enough to explore most of it if you rent a scooter to drive around on your own!
Read more about this: Bohol in one day – the ultimate itinerary!
Sipping a Cocktail at Marina Bay Sands Rooftop Bar
Oh, the famous Marina Bay Sands…!
Although we decided to stay at Andaz Singapore instead (I like their infinity pool better!) – we for sure did want to have the view from the rooftop of this famous hotel!
Actually, you don’t have to pay for an observation ticket – just get a cocktail instead at their awesome rooftop bar “Ce La Vie”. It’s not cheap, but the cocktails were really good!
Taking a cooking class in Sri Lanka
We loved Sri Lankan Food from the very first day – so doing a cooking class was an absolute must for us!
In Unawatuna (South-West Coast) there is plenty of cooking classes – but only one with raving reviews. It’s always a good idea to do your research on that – and so we decided to do ours with Nautilus! And it was delightful – and such a tasty experience!
Go, Travel and create your own Travel Bucket List!
I hope these ideas gave you some inspiration for what you could do on your trip around the world! Now it is time for you to create your own world trip travel bucket list!
If you have any questions on how to organize any of those things – just send me an email to [email protected] or contact me on Instagram! I love traveling and I am always happy to help others to enjoy their own trips even more!
I love your blog Sarah! Keep the good job 😉
Thanks a lot girl! I absolutely love yours too!
thanks so much! I really hope to add some value!