6 Epic Trips To Check Off Your Travel Bucket List—And 5 New Ones To Add

You deserve to take an incredible trip in 2018. TripAdvisor Rentals is here to help. We've drummed up 11 bucket list getaways—six classic staples and five new ideas you may not have considered—and paired them with a great place to stay in each location. After all, if you can save money on your accommodation with an affordable vacation rental from TripAdvisor, you'll have more to spend on the actual experience!


From catching the Northern Lights in Iceland or swimming along the Great Barrier Reef, to eating your way through Osaka or whale-watching on Fogo Island, TripAdvisor wants you to have an unforgettable 2018 vacation. No matter where you go, there's a great rental property available to book on TripAdvisor to act as the perfect home base for your adventure.

6 CLASSIC TRAVEL BUCKET LIST TRIPS

1. Witness the Northern Lights in Iceland or Norway

The Northern Lights are on many travelers’ bucket lists and during the winter months, from Norway to Iceland, there are many incredible destinations to catch the Aurora’s mesmerizing colors.

Where To Stay: Explore Iceland’s raw beauty with a stay at this charming 3-bedroom cottage. Its remote location, with views of the ocean and mountains, is perfect for spotting the elusive Auroras.

See all our Iceland rentals here!

Where To Stay: For equally specular views, this coastal 5-bedroom lodge in Norway’s Lofoten Islands offers the best of both worlds with a completely modern interior, while its picture windows are perfect for cozying up to watch the spectacular light shows at night.

See all our Norway rentals here!

2. Walk Along The Great Wall Of China

Walk along one of the world’s most impressive architectural feats—the Great Wall of China. Located just outside Beijing, stay at modern apartment in the city for a dose of excitement from the Chinese cultural capital and a day trip to this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 7th century.

Where To Stay: Enjoy the historical Chinese capital from your own private apartment near the Old City’s east gate. For as little as $21 per person, per night, this modern 1-bedroom apartment, which sleeps three, has easy access to the metropolis’ many sights and is a perfect base for your trip to the Great Wall nearby.

See all our Beijing rentals here!

3. Unwind In A Balinese Paradise

With its unique culture, stunning scenery, and plethora of activities, It’s no surprise Bali was the top TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Destination for 2017. To experience the best of this Indonesian paradise, a modern villa in trendy Seminyak is the perfect base for this bucket list destination!

Where To Stay: Despite its central location, Villa Kailysa offers a relaxing private retreat in the Balinese hotspot. Just minutes from the beach, this beautiful open-concept villa lets guests make the most of the Bali’s incredible weather, with a spacious veranda containing its dining, lounge and kitchen, leading to an inviting pool. For adventurous types, this villa is a great base to explore the beaches and nearby rice paddies, or planning an early morning trek up Mount Batur.

See all our Bali rentals here!

4. Gaze At A Natural Wonder: The Grand Canyon

With its sheer size and majestic beauty, it’s no surprise the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Stay at a cozy vacation rental in nearby national parks to really explore and marvel at the rock formations of this expansive gorge, which date back billions of years!

Where To Stay: Relax at this charming, romantic, and secluded two-bedroom cabin near the Coconino National Forest. Just a few hours from the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon, it’s the perfect base for day trips to explore the Grand Canyon. After a busy day exploring, head home and relax among nature on the large wraparound terrace and cozy porch swing.

See all our Arizona rentals here!

5. Head On A Wild South African Safari

Always wanted to spot a lion in the wild? What about a rhinoceros? If any of the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos) are on your bucket list, then pack your bags for a South African safari stay near Kruger National Park!

Where To Stay: This stunning modern 3-bedroom property sits in the heart of South Africa’s wildlife region. With its location on a secure private wildlife estate, you’ll get to know your four-legged neighbors from the expansive terrace, or find yourself sharing the pool with some unexpected furry visitors. Dining and shopping options are only minutes away in nearby Hoedspruit and, of course, don’t miss out one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park, which is less than an hour away.

See all our South Africa rentals!

6. See An Underwater World: The Great Barrier Reef

There’s no doubt exploring the underwater world is on many bucket lists, but while there’s many places in the world to grab the scuba gear, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the ultimate destination! Exploring this stunning aquatic wonder with a stay at a vacation home in nearby Port Douglas.

Where To Stay: Base yourself only 300 feet away from the famous Four Mile Beach at this modern 3-bedroom Port Douglas villa. The gated property offers guests plenty of privacy and entertaining options with its outdoor swimming pool, lush gardens, and al fresco dining. Located in a quiet residential area of Port Douglas, this villa is a perfect base for vacationers keen to explore an incredible underwater world at the Great Barrier Reef.

See all our Port Douglas rentals!

Want to see the extra 5 new ideas to add to your bucket list? Check out the rest of this post on the TripAdvisor blog!