The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

We all have ideas and dreams about where we would like to visit before we die but perhaps there are just too many to fit in, both timewise and financially. Maybe, on the other hand, we’re not sure where we would like to go and need some direction so that we can make the best use of our time and money. These 20 summer bucket list destinations in the northern hemisphere will intrigue and excite you. I feel sure that you will be able to find a few places that you won’t be able to resist visiting. Which ones are your favourites?

20 Summer Bucket List

Travel Bucket List To Visit Before You Die

1- Feel The Power Of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls can be seen from both the American and the Canadian sides, but the most iconic way of enjoying them is from the Maid of the Mist ferry which leaves from the US side.

It has been running since 1846 and takes passengers to the edge of the Falls.

The tour lasts 20 minutes and takes you through the Niagara Gorge, past the American and Bridal Veil Falls and into the mist coming off the Horseshoe Falls.

The ferries run from mid-May until early November and also operating from May until November, is the Cave of the Winds tour.

It’s not, however, for the faint of heart as you will get very wet.

A lift takes you down to the base of the Niagara Gorge from where you walk along a wooden walkway to the Bridal Veil Falls.

You will have a fantastic view looking up as the water cascades down.

Recommended tours:

• Niagara Falls, NY: Maid of the Mist Boat & Falls Sightseeing.
• Niagara, USA: Guided Tour with Boat, Cave of Winds, & Trolly.

2- Step Back in History At The Colosseum In Rome

The Colosseum is a magnificent monument built between 72 and 80 A.D. in the heart of Rome.

It was constructed from stone and concrete by thousands of slaves.

It’s the largest amphitheatre in the world and measures 189 metres (620 feet) long, 156 metres (511.8 feet) wide, and 50 metres (164 feet) high.

It could seat around 50,000 spectators who came to watch gladiatorial combats, wild animal hunts, and reenacted naval battles.

Underneath the Colosseum are numerous rooms and passageways where the gladiators and animals waited to meet their fate.

Two-thirds of the Colosseum has been destroyed by disasters such as earthquakes and fires but is still a magnificent building.

Visit the arena floor and imagine what the spectacles were like.

You will have 360-degree views of the amphitheatre and can look up to see where the spectators once sat.

You can also go up to the balcony from where you will have fantastic views of the Arch of Constantine and the Roman Forum.

It is also possible to take a tour of the dungeons.

Recommended tours:

• Rome: Colosseum Underground/Arena, Forum, Palatine Tour.
• Rome: Colosseum Tour with Access to the Gladiator Arena.

3- Watch A Santorini Sunset

Watching the sunset anywhere can be a magical experience, but one of the best places to enjoy this is on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini.

Setting over the caldera, the light and shadows are beautiful as they light up the white-washed buildings and reflect in the azure, blue sea.

The sky is a mixture of orange, gold, and pink and is a sight to be seen.

The sunset can best be viewed from the town of Oia, which is on the cliffs overlooking the caldera.

The most famous place to see the sunset here is at the Venetian castle, though be warned, it is a popular and crowded spot.

Instead, head to the centre of town to see the sunset with a breathtaking backdrop of blue-domed churches.

Close to Oia is Ammoudi Bay where a fishing village complements the changing colours of the sky.

Follow the trail from Oia to the capital, Fira, and stop for mesmerising views of the sunset with 360-degree views.

Once in Fira, the best place to see the sunset is at the Church of the Tree Bells.

At the highest point of the caldera is Imerovigli from where you get uninterrupted views of the sunset.

Recommended tour: Santorini Sunset Tour.

4- Fly In A Helicopter Over The Grand Canyon

It is exciting enough to stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon looking down, but it is a whole other experience to take a helicopter ride over it.

You will have the most spectacular birds-eye views of not only the canyon but the surrounding area.

There is a fantastic tour that not only flies over the canyon but lands inside it.

You fly over such highlights as Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, experience views of the volcanic Black Mountains, Grapevine Mesa, and the Mojave Desert, and then cross the Grand Wash Cliffs to enter the Canyon where you descend 1,066.

8 metres (3,500 feet) to the banks of the Colorado River is where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while taking photos of the amazing canyon.

Recommended tour: Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing Tour.

5- Enjoy The View From The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most visited monuments in the world.

It was constructed in 1889 for the World Fair and was only supposed to stand for 20 years.

However, it became so popular that it was never dismantled.

The Eiffel Tower is on three levels, and you can visit all or just one or two.

You have the choice of a lift or stairs if you are feeling fit.

The first floor is the largest.

Here you will find a large outdoor terrace, a cocktail bar, a cafe, and an upscale restaurant, Madame Brasserie, which has a view of the Trocadero.

There are also boutique souvenir shops.

The whole level has a floor made of glass so you can look right down.

You get the best views from the second floor where you can gaze across the whole of Paris.

For a real treat, have a meal at Jules Verne, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

However, you do have to book months in advance.

Also on this floor is a cafe, The Buffet, a macron shop, and souvenir shops.

The third floor is the smallest and gets the most crowded.

It has two sections.

You get good views from the lower level, which is enclosed in glass, but the views are even better from the upper outdoor level.

Here, you can see Gustave Eiffel’s office and indulge in a glass of champagne.

Recommended tour: Paris: Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access.

6- Party On Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Bourbon Street in New Orleans is a historic street dating back to 1718.

It is the party heart and soul of the city and has two sections, Upper Bourbon and Lower Bourbon.

Upper Bourbon Street is the part both tourists and locals flock to as it’s home to many restaurants, bars, and strip clubs, with jazz music being played on every corner.

On Lower Bourbon Street, you will find many gay bars, including Cafe Lafitte, one of the oldest gay bars in the U.S.

Bourbon Street is also home to the New Orleans Musical Legends Park, a free outdoor venue which hosts live jazz performances.

An iconic bar which is worth visiting is the Old Absinthe House where you can enjoy this unusual drink.

Here, you will still find the marble fountains that were used to drip cool water over sugar cubes into the glasses of absinthe.

7- Ride In A Gondola In Venice

Venetian gondolas are flat-bottomed boats driven by gondoliers through the narrow canals and under the many bridges of Venice, passing by the beautiful palazzos.

They aren’t a means of transport but a tourist attraction for those who want to sightsee from the water.

Gondolas offer a unique experience and can be very romantic.

Sometimes the gondolier may even sing to you.

You will want to travel down the Grand Canal where you will see the most impressive buildings dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

However, try to find a tour that goes down the quieter canals so you will be able to see the more authentic parts of the city.

Talk to the gondolier before you get in the boat and see what his route is.

If you are visiting Venice in the spring or summer, the best time to take a gondola ride is first thing in the morning as it gets hot as the day progresses.

Alternatively, go at sunset for spectacular views or, for a romantic experience at night in Venice.

Be warned, however, that it is more expensive after 7 p.m.

A gondola ride lasts for around half an hour and the price is fixed so don’t bother trying to haggle.

Recommended tour: Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary.

8- Rub Shoulders With The Rich And Famous On The French Riviera

The French Riviera is also called the Cote d’Azur and is a beautiful coastal region in south-east France.

It has fantastic beaches, azure, blue waters and fantastic views.

Here you will find cities like St. Tropez, Cannes and Nice, as well as the sovereignty of Monaco.

Monaco is the perfect place to go if you want to mix with the rich and famous.

Here you will find many bars and clubs, a beach, up-market shopping centres, and a classy casino.

The waters are turquoise blue and palm trees line the beach and the streets.

Cannes is also frequented by the affluent and here you might spot Hollywood stars and expensive cars.

The beaches are beautiful, and there are luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants.

Cannes is well-known for being the setting for the Cannes Film Festival where you definitely will see the rich and famous.

9- Sail Around The Dalmatian Islands

There are over 1,000 Dalmatian islands so you have plenty of choice.

The sailing season here in Croatia runs from April until October, although, the best time to sail is in June and September when the weather is good, but not as crowded as in July and August.

One of the highlights is the island of Hvar, known for lavender fields and exciting nightlife.

Korcula has pretty narrow streets and Venetian architecture but if you love nature and clear waters for swimming, head to Vis.

You can take a small-ship cruise or, for a more personalised experience, take a private cruise so that you can sail to lesser-known islands.

You can also take a day trip to a couple of the islands.

Recommended tour: Split: Bol, Hvar, Pakleni Island, and Solta Full-Day Tour.

10- Visit The Parthenon In Athens

The Parthenon is a magnificent marble temple in the Acropolis that is an imposing landmark in Athens, Greece.

It was built in 438 BC and was dedicated to the Greek goddess, Athena.

Acropolis means high city and from here, you get magnificent views of Athens.

The Parthenon is a magnificent example of Doric-style architecture, which was simple and unadorned, and the temple has plain columns.

However, inside was a gigantic statue of the goddess made from ivory and gold and standing at 12 metres (39 feet) high,

The Parthenon is an imposing building measuring 30.9 metres (111 feet) by 69,49 metres (228 feet).

It is worth climbing the hill to visit it.

Recommended tour: Athens: Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour.

11- Feel Like Royalty In A Loire Valley Chateaux

The Loire Valley in France is also known as The Garden Of France because of the beautiful gardens surrounding the many chateaux and castles in the region.

Just a short train ride from Paris, you will find medieval towns like Orleans, Tours, Amboise and Angers.

It also has some of the best vineyards and wineries in the country, offering outstanding wine tastings and tours.

The climate is good here for much of the year so it can be visited at any time.

Recommended tours:

• From Paris: Full-Day Loire Valley Chateaux Tour.
• Exclusive Wine Day Trip Loire Valley from Paris.

12- Visit The Statue Of Liberty, New York

New York’s Statue Of Liberty should be one of the things at the top of your list.

It has been a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1984 and is a symbol of the freedom of the American people.

You can get a ticket that visits both Liberty Island and Ellis Island as well as entry to the statue itself.

The Statue Of Liberty stands in beautiful grounds on Liberty Island.

In the Pedestal, you will find an interesting museum about the statue.

It also has an observation deck from where you can get fantastic views of the city.

The highest point you can reach is the Crown, which should be experienced although the windows are small and you won’t get good photos from here.

Yo also have to be fit to reach the Crown as there are 162 narrow steps to climb from the Pedestal.

Ellis Island is also worth visiting.

There is a museum which teaches you about the arrival of the immigrants who landed on this island before being let into the country.

Recommended tour: NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry.

13- Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge In San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge is a spectacular site built in the 1930s.

It’s 2.73 km (1.7 miles) long and 228 metres (748 feet) high.

It can be seen from many of the other attractions in San Francisco such as Alcatraz Island and Fisherman’s Wharf.

It takes between 45 and 60 minutes to walk across the bridge.

Apart from a slight incline in the middle of the bridge, it is an easy walk or you can rent an e-bike or go on a Go Car tour.

You will have spectacular views from the bridge over the bay and of Angel Island, the city’s largest natural island.

Most people start the walk on the San Fransisco side where there is a Welcome Centre.

There you can learn about the history of the bridge.

The bridge leads to Marin County from where you can get the bus back to San Francisco.

14- Explore Polynesian Culture In Hawaii

Hawaii is made up of eight volcanic islands and 124 islets.

Each of the islands offers its own experiences, for example, on Hawaii Island, you can hike to an active volcano.

Enjoy surfing on the north shore of Oahu and sunbathing on the beaches of Maui.

However, what they all have in common is the luau, a traditional Polynesian party celebrating life events.

You should attend one during your visit as you will be able to enjoy traditional Hawaiian food, music, cultural performances, and hula dancing.

If you are in Hawaii in September, you will be able to enjoy the Aloha Festivals which include parades, traditional concerts and plenty of luaus.

Recommended tour: South Maui: Gilligans’ Island Luau with Dinner and Drinks.

15- Enjoy The Azure Waters Along The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast in Italy has been named an outstanding Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO.

It has a winding coastline measuring more than 40 km (25 miles), lined with vineyards, pastures, orchards, and lovely villages.

Stop anywhere to get spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and a perfect beach holiday.

Stay in Positano or Amalfi where you will find quaint hotels, pristine beaches, seafront promenades, and plenty of dining opportunities.

16- Explore Yellowstone National Park

If you love nature, you will have a fantastic time in Yellowstone National Park, where you will find more hot springs and geysers than any one other place on earth, as well as valleys, lakes and a canyon.

There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen, including elk, bison, wolves and grizzly bears.

There are two loops you can drive around the park on and there are lodges to stay in if you want to spend more than a day there.

The loops are closed in the winter, but you can book a snowmobile or snow coach to explore the park.

Imagine seeing the steaming geysers surrounded by pristine snow.

Recommended tour: Yellowstone: Old Faithful, Waterfalls, and Wildlife Day Tour.

17- Marvel At Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a true marvel, and its giant stones can be seen miles away from where it is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England.

Work on these stones began in about 3000 B.C. and it took 1,500 years to erect the 100 upright stones.

Visitors flood here for the summer solstice each year, but you must have tickets to get in otherwise you can only admire them from afar.

It is thought that Stonehenge was once a burial ground, possibly for royalty, however, it could have served other purposes as well such as a site for ceremonies or as a religious pilgrimage destination.

Recommended tour: Stonehenge Admission Ticket.

18- Visit The Floating Garden Of The Atlantic, Madeira

Madeira lies off the coast of Morocco but belongs to Portugal.

It is often called the floating garden of the Atlantic because of its beautiful vegetation and flowers, brought on by the subtropical climate experienced on the island.

It is a striking location with volcanoes and rugged coastlines making up much of the scenery.

Hiking is very popular in Madeira, with a choice of light walking trails, challenging mountain hikes and anything in between.

Madeira is also known for its fantastic wines of which there are four types ranging from very sweet to very dry.

19- Go Puffin And Whale Watching In Iceland

One of the best things to do in Iceland in the summer is to go puffin and whale watching.

The tour first takes you to Puffin Island where, from April until August, more than 100,000 puffins make this their home.

They are very entertaining creatures, and you will be able to watch them diving for food, flying around, and nesting.

Then head to Skjalfandi Bay to enjoy whale watching.

You will hopefully be lucky enough to see humpbacks and minkes, as well as white-beaked dolphins and porpoises.

It is truly an unforgettable sight and one to add to your Iceland itinerary.

Recommended tour: Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour.

20- Visit Pompeii

Pompeii is a 2,000-year-old town in Italy that was destroyed and then preserved by the volcano, Mount Vesuvius.

Here you will find the well-preserved remains of temples, shops, theatres, the Forum, and even a bakery with cooking utensils still on display.

What is the most eerie, however, are the body casts of some of the citizens frozen in time as they tried to escape from the flowing lava.

If you want panoramic views of the countryside and of the volcano, climb to the top of the city walls.

There are some fantastic photo opportunities from here.

Recommended tour: From Rome: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Day Trip with Lunch.