By Lauren Ferrone
Published: Wednesday, November 6, 2019
From tropical islands to green pastures, we count down the locations that should be at the top of every travel bucket list.
Queensland
As the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef is more than great – it’s breathtaking. See for yourself by snorkelling beneath the surface to discover an abundance of colourful marine life, from microscopic fish to whales weighing more than 100 tonnes.
Middle East
Head 40km south of Cairo to see the perfectly imperfect Bent Pyramid. Known for its curved walls, the rough-around-the-edges pyramid was specially shaped by ancient Egyptians to stop it from collapsing. And now you can get a glimpse inside. It reopened in July 2019 for the first time in more than 50 years.
South Asia
There’s a reason the secluded Maldives is revered as a honeymoon destination – palm-fringed atoll islands, clear turquoise water, and year-round sunshine make this small country in the Indian Ocean the quintessential luxury escape. For a cheaper stay, book for the off-season between May and October.
Canada
If you’re after a thrill, Banff is a haven for skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes. Snow-capped mountains make the perfect backdrop as adventurers glide down the powder. In summer, the picturesque resort town transforms into a rock climbing destination, with countless summits for aspiring alpinists. To see the mountains from a different angle, ride a gondola 7500-feet up Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park.
South Africa
Get up close to some of the world’s most dangerous animals – and live to tell the tale. The Big Five tour at Kruger National Park takes visitors into the natural habitats of lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards. How many can you tick off?
USA
Miami’s biggest magnet is South Beach, a popular hangout which transforms into party central at night. Cruise the main strip, Ocean Drive, then dine at one of the many celebrity chef-owned eateries before hitting the beach bars. Perhaps you want to sail the seas instead – Miami’s the home port to many cruise liners setting sail to the Caribbean.
Indonesia
Break away from buzzing Bali and head to Lombok where the surf is consistent, life moves a little slower and, best of all, there are fewer tourists. The beachside town of Kuta, on the south coast, is an idyllic place to chase waves or lie on the beach. Don’t let it confuse you with Bali’s Kuta, known for its party atmosphere.
Western Australia
Western Australia’s oldest wine region is just a 30-minute drive from Perth, and produces some seriously delicious drops – Houghton, Jarrah Ridge and Sandalford are standouts. It even gives South Australia a run for its money. Almost.
United Kingdom
The grass definitely is greener in Scotland, particularly in spring. That’s when the countryside is at its greenest. Snow-capped mountain peaks yield to fresh grass and wildflowers. One of the best views, where green meshes with the sea, can be found at Loch Ness – a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands.
Disclaimer: we can’t guarantee you’ll spot the Loch Ness Monster, but anything is possible.
New Zealand
New Zealand is full of history, culture and scenes plucked straight out of the movies. Think Lord of the Rings. Take your pick from 144 islands in the Bay of Islands or just follow the rainbow – Rainbow Falls, that is. Found in Kerikeri, the largest town in Northland, is a 27m-high waterfall. Though it doesn’t have a pot of gold at the end, the water does tumble into a spectacular swimming hole.
Vietnam
Famous for its tailors and considered one of the best foodie destinations in Vietnam, it makes sense to see what all the hype is about in Hôi An. Weave through a maze of street-food stalls to find the city’s signature dish of ‘white roses’ – shrimp dumplings made from translucent rice paper and shaped to look like, you guessed it, roses.
USA
Skip the stroll in Central Park. For a different view of the Big Apple, walk the greenery-filled High Line – a 2.3km elevated walking track built on a former rail line. When your legs have had enough, grab a slice of pizza, see the latest show on Broadway or catch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium.
Asia
Could the teardrop island be the next Bali? Sri Lanka is a country that’ll ignite your senses. Tantalise your tastebuds with fiery curries, feast your eyes on fluorescent green tea plantations, and feel the cool breeze against your skin in the hillside city of Kandy.
South America
Swing into the new year… literally. Deep in the Ecuadorian wilderness lies Casa del Arbol – a seismic monitoring station that’s also home to a death-defying rope swing – known as the swing at the end of the world – which takes tourists 2600m above sea level for a glimpse of the active volcano Mt Tungurahua.
New South Wales
Explore Echo Point. Echo Point. Echo Point. No, that wasn’t a typo. Not only will you hear echoes of wildlife calling at this lookout, you’ll have epic views of the iconic 3 Sisters rock formation and Jamison Valley.
Europe
Rocky plunge pools and turquoise lagoons are just one side to this tiny country, made up of three islands in the Maltese archipelago. Delve further into its rich history and you’ll discover Malta is home to the oldest free-standing structures in the world – the Ġgantija Temples, dating back to about 3600 BC.
Middle East
Skip the camel ride. See where the desert meets the water from the heavens, and take a leap of faith by skydiving near the Dead Sea, which borders Israel and Jordan. Did we mention the incredible street food? You can find some of the best falafel and hummus in Israel.
USA
If you consider Disneyland one of the happiest places on Earth, Southern California may be your new favourite region. Here you’ll find the iconic theme park in Anaheim, sunny weather everywhere, and, if you’re lucky, a celebrity or two in LA.
Northern Europe
If you’re chasing the Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, you might find it in Norway – it’s considered one of the best places in the world to witness the phenomenon. Head there between September and late March to watch the dark night come alive as ribbons of green, blue, pink and violet streak across the sky.
Japan
There’s a lot going on in Tokyo in the new year. Not only does the giant metropolis have the honour of hosting the 2020 Olympics, there are dancing robots, go karting on the streets, karaoke, sumo and, of course, sushi. Sounds like the perfect place to be in 2020.
Dreaming of a Christmas holiday overseas? Let the experts at RAA Travel take you there.