Anyone else planning dozens of imaginary trips right now? Well, same—but we’re hoping at least a few of them won’t be imaginary soon enough! But where to go, what to do, and how to travel without going bankrupt? All good questions—and we’ve rounded up 101 incredible places to add to your bucket list.
Even better? These places won’t break the bank! Of course, you’ll have to factor in the cost of traveling there. Thankfully, we can definitely help with that—our student discounts and last-minute cheap flights are here to save you some cash even as summer flight prices elsewhere start getting pricey!
Which of these things are on your bucket list?
NORTH AMERICA
1. Soak up the view at Moraine Lake | Alberta, Canada
You’ve probably seen this eye-wateringly beautiful lake a gazillion times on the internet, but trust us, nothing comes close to seeing it in real life.
Costs: $10 CAD
2. Hike to the tea house at Lake Louise | Alberta, Canada
Equally famous and equally gorgeous, Lake Lousie is also worth a spot on your bucket list. Do the 2-mile hike from its shores up to the Tea House for a rewarding refreshment.
Costs: $10 CAD
3. Cycle around Stanley Park | Vancouver, Canada
One of the best urban bike rides in the world, a cycle around the coast-hugging edge of Vancouver’s Stanley Park is a must.
Costs: Free! (Bike rentals nearby are about $10/hour.)
4. Visit Toronto Islands | Lake Ontario, Canada
Downtown Toronto is great, but if you want to escape the crowds, hop on a ferry out to Toronto Island in Lake Ontario. The views of the city skyline are superb.
Costs: $8.50 CAD
5. Icefields Parkway road trip | Alberta, Canada
Canada was made for road trips, and the Icefields Parkway is the jewel in the crown. The 130-mile road runs through stunningly beautiful mountain scenery, connecting Banff and Jasper national parks.
Costs: $10 CAD
6. Visit Yosemite National Park | California, US
Sporting some of the world’s most iconic views, Yosemite National Park is one of those places you can’t take a bad photo. Yosemite Valley offers the ultimate bucket list views.
Costs: $30 USD (per vehicle)
7. Walk the Freedom Trail | Boston, US
Connecting 16 sites of major historical significance to the history of the US, Boston’s 2.5 mile Freedom Trail makes for a great half-day exploration and helps you get your Beantown bearings.
Costs: FREE
8. Explore the French Quarter | New Orleans, US
The historic heart of New Orleans, this neighbourhood is buzzing with energy and packed with bars, restaurants and live music.
Costs: FREE
9. Check out the sights of Washington D.C. | US
It’s hard to top Washington D.C. when it comes to cultural sightseeing in the US—check out the White House, Capitol and Lincoln Memorial.
Costs: FREE
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10. Hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry | New York, US
An icon in its own right, the Staten Island Ferry runs 24/7 through New York Harbour, offering incredible views of the city skyline and Statue of Liberty on its 5-mile, 25-minute journey.
Costs: FREE
LATIN AMERICA
11. Swim in a cenote | Cancun, Mexico
These deep, beautiful, azure pools in collapsed caves are absolutely perfect swimming holes, and you can find them dotted all over the place around Cancun and surrounding regions.
Costs: 120 MXN ($6)
12. See the sights of Mexico City | Mexico City, MX
Mexico City has a plethora of incredible sights to be seen, many of which are free. The Palace of Fine Arts is a good place to start.
Costs: FREE
13. Visit the world’s largest salt flat | Potosi, Bolivia
This extraordinary natural wonder feels like an alien planet. Covering almost 4,000 square miles, it’s all that remains of a now dried-up prehistoric lake and is a really unique destination for your bucket list.
Costs: $20 USD
14. Catch a tan on one of Rio’s beaches | Brazil
Rio has some of the most legendary beaches in the world, and incredible background scenery to match. Our favorites include Ipanema and Copacabana.
Costs: FREE
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15. Take a day trip to the Amazon | Manaus, Brazil
Often called the Lungs of the Earth, the Amazon Rainforest covers a mindbogglingly vast area (for now…) and is the most biodiverse region on the planet.
Costs: $40 USD
16. Join a walking tour of Buenos Aires | Argentina
The best way to soak up the atmosphere of the Argentine capital is on a walking tour. There are lots of free options, and you’ll see all the main sights, plus learn from a local about local culture.
Costs: FREE
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17. Hike up San Cristobal Hill | Santiago, Chile
Towering above Santiago, the capital of Chile, San Cristobal Hill offers unrivalled views of the city below – time with sunset if you can.
Costs: FREE
EUROPE
18. Wander around London’s museums | UK
The UK capital boasts some of the world’s finest museums, almost all of which are totally free. The British Museum is a must, as is the Natural History, Science and V&A museums. And don’t forget the National Portrait Gallery. And the Tate Modern. Oh, and the National Maritime Museum. We could go on.
Costs: FREE
19. Hike a long distance trail | UK
For such a small country, the UK has an impressive amount of national parks (all free to enter), covering vast tracts of beautiful wild scenery. Many have designated long distance trails running through, including the South Downs Way, Cumbria Way and Pennine Way.
Costs: FREE
20. Watch the sunset in Santorini | Greece
If this isn’t on your bucket list yet, what are you doing? Watching the sunset in Santorini is absolutely magical—and totally free.
Costs: FREE
21. Visit Edinburgh Castle | Scotland
This majestic piece of architecture crowns the city of Edinburgh in Scotland and is one of the UK’s top sights.
Costs: £15 ($20)
22. Take a walking tour of London | London, UK
From Big Ben to the London Bridge, the London Eye to Westminster Castle, Buckingham Palace to… well, we could go on but you get the picture. London has tons of impressive and iconic landmarks, and you can see them all for free on a walking tour—find a local guide or explore on your own!
Costs: FREE
24. Wander the cobbles of Montmartre | Paris, France
The impossibly romantic Montmartre district in Paris is perfect for exploring on foot, and is easy to get to from Paris. Don’t miss the gleaming white Sacre Cour, one of Paris’s most beautiful buildings.
Costs: FREE
25. Picnic in Parc du Champ de Mars | Paris, France
While going up the Eiffel Tower is a little pricey, having a picnic in its surrounding gardens doesn’t cost a thing (well, apart from the food, obviously).
Costs: FREE
26. Kayak down Verdon du Gorge | France
This stunning gorge in southern France is well worth a visit, with the obvious way to experience it in all its glory being to hop in a kayak and paddle down.
Costs: €8 ($10)
27. See the East Side Gallery | Berlin, Germany
Not much now remains of the Berlin Wall, but what does is covered in awesome graffiti, which you can see for free. There’s also tons of history walks and tours you can do in Berlin (for free) to learn more about the history behind Berlin’s monuments.
Costs: FREE
28. Take a road trip on the Romantic Road | Bavaria, Germany
Winding for over 200 miles past pristine villages and castles plucked straight from a fairytale, this route through Bavaria is one of the world’s best road trips.
Costs: FREE
29. Have a pretzel and bratwurst in Munich | Germany
Nothing says Germany like a fresh pretzel and some bratwurst—and of course, a stein of beer if you’re old enough. Thankfully, these are all pretty cheap eats in Munich, so go ahead and fill up!
Costs: €5-10 ($6-12)
30. Get a standing ticket for the opera | Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the high culture capital of Europe and the ideal place to soak a bit of that culture up. You don’t have to take out a loan to see an opera here—just get a last minute standing ticket!
Costs: €10-20 ($12-$24)
31. Stroll down Las Ramblas | Barcelona, Spain
One of Europe’s most iconic streets, Las Ramblas cuts through the heart of Barcelona and is packed with shops, bars and restaurants.
Costs: FREE
32. Chow down on traditional tapas | Madrid, Spain
You can’t visit the Spanish capital without eating some of the national cuisine. You’ll find tapas bars everywhere – enjoy!
Costs: €10 ($12)
33. Test your nerves at Caminito del Rey | Malaga, Spain
Okay, this is absolutely terrifying, but at least these days there are ropes to prevent you plummeting off the cliff face this epic walking trail winds around.
Costs: €10 ($12)
34. See the sights of Ancient Rome | Italy
The Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon—Rome is bursting at the seams with jaw-droppingly interesting remnants from the mighty empire that made this city its capital. If you weren’t a history buff before, you will be after visiting.
Costs: €32 ($38) (for the Roma Pass, includes transport and entrance fees)
35. Explore the canals of Venice | Italy
The dreamy water world of Venice is truly unique and a bucket list must. There are no cars, just canals, all surrounded by grand, beautiful architecture. Don’t bother with the gondolas—they’re so expensive!—and just hop on a water taxi instead. You’ll see all the same stuff but for a fraction of the price.
Costs: €20 ($24) (one-day travel card)
36. Hike up Mount Vesuvius | Naples, Italy
This iconic volcano towers above the Italian city of Naples and makes for a superb hike. The views from the top are unsurprisingly splendid.
Costs: €10 ($12)
38. Walk round De Wallen at night | Amsterdam, Netherlands
The slightly surreal Red Light district of Amsterdam is one of the top attractions in Europe and makes for a fun (if slightly odd) walk when night falls.
Costs: FREE
39. Visit Anne Frank’s House | Amsterdam, Netherlands
On a more somber note, Anne Frank’s House is a must-visit. It tells the story of the teenage holocaust victim and brings home the horrors wrought upon the Jewish people of Europe.
Costs: €9.50 ($12)
40. Explore Wawel Royal Castle | Krakow, Poland
High up on a hill looking over the gorgeous city of Krakow in Poland, this impressive castle is free to explore, so you totally should!
Costs: FREE
41. Visit the Old Fisherman Bastion | Budapest, Hungary
The Old Fisherman Bastion is one of Budapest’s most iconic monuments—and one of the best places to get incredible views of the city and learn some of Budapest’s history. It’s even free to explore most of it!
Costs: FREE
42. Soak in Budapest’s thermal baths | Hungary
Budapest is also famous for its natural thermal springs, which have been channeled into a variety of public baths. This is the ultimate in relaxation, so make sure you visit at least once!
Costs: 6200 HUF ($20)
43. Stroll around the streets (and Old Town walls) of Dubrovnik | Croatia
Game of Thrones fans will recognise Dubrovnik as the location for Kings Landing—trust us, it’s as impressive in real life as it is in the series. You can stroll around the cobblestone streets of Old Town Dubrovnik to your heart’s content—and even walk around the top of the city’s fortress walls (for a small fee).
Costs: FREE
44. See the sights of Ancient Athens | Greece
Along with Rome, Athens boasts some of the most fascinating historic sites in Europe. The Acropolis—though a bit more expensive than other things on this list—is a must see and a true bucket list item.
Costs: €20 ($24)
45. Jump off Mostar Bridge | Mostar, Bosnia
This absurdly scenic bridge, towering 65 feet above a turquoise river below, is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to jump from. You’ll need to pay one of the local divers to show you how to jump safely—or, of course, you can just admire without the massive adrenaline rush.
Costs: €20 ($24)
AFRICA
46. Get lost in the souks of Marrakech | Morocco
Fizzing with energy and culture, Marrakech in Morocco is best known for its souks: a maze of markets and alleyways. Put the map away and allow yourself to get lost. It’s all part of the fun!
Costs: FREE
47. Stare in wonder at the Pyramids of Giza | Cairo, Egypt
The last remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza are an ultimate bucket list site.
Costs: 200 EGP ($13)
48. Enjoy the view from Table Mountain | Cape Town, South Africa
Towering above the city of Cape Town in South Africa, Table Mountain is a big but very climbable (or walkable) rise. There is a cable car if you’re not down for hiking it on foot!
Costs: 340 ZAR ($3.50-$10 USD if you’re hiking, $25 for the cable car)
49. Take a Garden Route road trip | Western Cape, South Africa
Stretching along the southeastern coast of South Africa, the Garden Route covers an area famous for superb scenery and amazing wildlife, and makes for a brilliant road trip.
Costs: FREE
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MIDDLE EAST
50. Explore the Old City of Jerusalem | Israel
The centre of the Holy Land, Jerusalem has a history dating back thousands of years and is full of amazing historic sites, like the Dome of the Rock, Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Costs: FREE
51. Explore the ancient ruins of Petra | Jordan
Everyone’s seen Petra in pictures, but nothing compares to seeing it in real life. A truly incredible historic sight that will make the entrance fees totally worth it.
Costs: 50 JOD ($70)
52. Walk around Dubai’s Old Town | UAE
Dubai is famous the world over for its futuristic cityscape, but it’s good fun to see where it all began, by having a wander around the Old Town.
Costs: FREE
53. Enjoy the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show | Dubai, UAE
The fountains at the foot of the world’s tallest building put on a great show several times a day, with performances every half hour from 6pm onwards.
Costs: FREE
54. Visit the Grand Mosque | Abu Dhabi, UAE
This gleaming white marble mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, a few miles south of Dubai, is the largest in the United Arab Emirates and free to visit. This stunning mosque is definitely a bucket list must.
Costs: FREE
ASIA
56. Visit the Forbidden City | Beijing, China
Now very much the permitted city, this once-enclave for China’s emperors is one of the highlights of Beijing and well worth the small entry fee.
Costs: 40 CNY ($6)
57. See the Terracotta Army | Xi’an, China
One of the most amazing historic sites in the world, the Terracotta Army depicts thousands of soldiers from China’s first dynasty.
Costs: 150 CNY ($23)
58. Enjoy the Symphony of Lights | Hong Kong
Free to watch every evening, this dazzling light show illuminates the iconic Hong Kong harbour in all its glory.
Costs: FREE
59. Soak up culture at the Shanghai Museum | China
One of the cultural highlights of Shanghai, this museum features incredible relics and artwork dating back thousands of years.
Costs: FREE
60. Explore the Imperial Palace | Tokyo
One of the cultural highlights of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is well worth a half day (or a full day if you have time!).
Costs: FREE
61. Feel the energy of Toyosu Market | Tokyo, Japan
This gigantic fish market has become famous for its early morning buzz, when fishermen returning with the night’s catch sell their wares to the best bidders.
Costs: FREE
62. Explore the temples of Kyoto | Japan
The tranquil city of Kyoto is full of beautiful temples (many of which are free to visit), plus ancient culture and a more relaxed nature than the bustling Tokyo.
Costs: FREE
63. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village | Seoul, South Korea
This traditional South Korean village makes for an interesting contrast from the futuristic metropolis of Seoul.
Costs: FREE
64. Watch the sunset from Bukhansan | Seoul, South Korea
Located on the northern outskirts of Seoul, Bukhansan is a three-peak mountain that makes for a great respite from the buzz of the city.
Costs: FREE
65. Be wowed at Taroko Gorge | Taiwan
Taiwan is full of amazing scenery, and possibly the best of the lot is Taroko Gorge in the national park of the same name.
Costs: FREE
SOUTH ASIA
66. See the Taj Mahal | Agra, India
Often described as the world’s most beautiful building (and frankly, it’s hard to argue with that), the Taj Mahal is an icon of India and a mesmerising sight to see. If this isn’t on your bucket list yet, it’s time to add it.
Costs: 1050 INR ($14)
67. Visit the Amber Fort | Rajasthan, India
This majestic fortress looms above the town of Amer, not far from the larger city of Jaipur, and is one of the architectural highlights of India.
Costs: 500 INR ($7)
68. Walk under the Gateway of India | Mumbai, India
An icon of Mumbai, and indeed India, this gigantic arch is a tourist magnet but well worth a visit—take a walk under and get the obligatory selfie.
Costs: FREE
69. Stroll down Marine Drive at sunset | Mumbai, India
This stretch of promenade in Mumbai makes for a perfect stroll at sunset, and is packed with bars and restaurants.
Costs: FREE
70. Laze around on a beach in Goa | India
Goa in southern India is famous for its tropical beaches. If you start in the north of the country, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how tranquil the south is in comparison.
Costs: FREE
71. Check out Durbar Square | Kathmandu, Nepal
Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 2015, many of the iconic pagodas in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square still stand, and others are being repaired. Thankfully, they’re free to visit, because they’re a must-see.
Costs: FREE
72. Climb up to Sigiriya Fortress | Sri Lanka
Situated atop a stunning natural monolith, this commanding fortress is one of the top sights in Sri Lanka. How could this not be on your bucket list?
Costs: 6000 LKR ($30)
SOUTHEAST ASIA
74. Go island-hopping in Thailand
Thailand has hundreds of paradise islands dotted about its southern shores, and like the rest of the country, they’re super affordable to visit and explore. Our favorites include Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Phi Phi.
Costs: 500 BHT ($16) for a four-hour ferry journey
75. Grab some street food on Khao San Road | Bangkok, Thailand
It seems like every city in the world now offers street food, but Bangkok is where it all started. Grab some pad thai on Khao San Road. Delish.
Costs: 40 BHT ($1)
76. Visit the Grand Palace | Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok’s top attraction is a sight to behold, and is the official residence of the Thai monarchy. Definitely add this stunning palace to your bucket list!
Costs: 500 BHT ($16)
77. Party under the full moon | Koh Phangan, Thailand
The legendary Full Moon Parties on the island of Koh Phangan are going as strong as ever. Probably the best rave you’ll ever go to.
Costs: 100 BHT ($3.50)
78. Grab some cheap eats on Backpacker Street | Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Nestled in the heart of the frenetic chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, Backpacker Street has become the hub for budget travelers, and is packed with bars and restaurants. From cheap street food to local restaurants, it’s a hub for delicious food round the clock.
Costs: 10,000 VND ($0.50)
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79. Walk the streets of Hoi An | Vietnam
This beautiful, ancient city halfway up the coast of Vietnam is great to explore on foot and get a taste of local culture.
Costs: FREE
80. Visit the Temple of Literature | Hanoi. Vietnam
The home of Vietnam’s first national university, the Temple of Literature, in the northern city of Hanoi, dates back almost 1000 years.
Costs: 30,000 VND ($1)
81. Take a day trip to Halong Bay | Vietnam
The limestone karsts of Halong Bay look otherworldly and the only way to get amidst them is by boat. Luckily day trips are affordable and great fun.
Costs: $40
82. Step back in time at Angkor Wat | Siem Reap, Cambodia
The stupendously well preserved Angkor Wat temple complex is one of the most fascinating historic sites in the world, and well worth the cost to visit (especially since Cambodia is otherwise very explorable on a budget!).
Costs: $35
83. Escape the crowds and visit Bamboo Island | Cambodia
Thailand usually gets all the attention when it comes to paradise islands in South East Asia, but Cambodia has a few up its sleeve too. Check out Bamboo Island for a nice respite.
Costs: $8 ferry from the coast
85. Cross the sky bridge at Petronas Towers | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Featured in numerous action movies, the iconic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, connected by a skybridge, are a must-see in Malaysia’s capital.
Costs: 80 MYR ($20)
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86. Descend into the Batu Caves | Gombak, Malaysia
These atmospheric caves make for a brilliant day trip from Kuala Lumpur.
Costs: 15 MYR ($4)
87. Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore’s Botanic Gardens have been maturing for over 100 years and are among the best in the world. Add these to your bucket list, stat!
Costs: FREE
88. Enjoy the views from SkyPark Observation Deck | Singapore
Atop the world-famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel building, this observation deck gives unrivalled views of the city.
Costs: 26 SGD ($20)
89. Enjoy beaches on the Gili Islands | Indonesia
Paradise islands await in the form of the Gilis—these patches of heaven on earth are a must-visit on any Indonesian bucket list.
Costs: FREE
90. Visit the Chocolate Hills | Bohol, Philippines
These iconic hills are well worth a day trip, even just for the pictures alone.
Costs: 50 PHP ($1)
91. Snap the perfect picture at the Banaue Rice Terraces | Philippines
The Philippines are full of amazing sights and the views of the Banaue Rice Terraces are truly world-class.
Costs: 70 PHP ($1.50)
AUSTRALIA & SOUTH PACIFIC
92. Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge | Australia
Walking over the arch of the bridge costs a fair bit, but walking across the bridge via the pedestrian walkway is completely free. The views are basically the same. Who would ever know?
Costs: FREE
93. Enjoy free fireworks at Darling Harbour | Sydney, Australia
Every Saturday between May and October you can enjoy a free firework display at Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
Costs: FREE
94. Check out world-class street art in Melbourne | Australia
The back alleys and side streets of Melbourne have become a canvas for some truly epic street art. While not technically legal, the graffiti is very much tolerated and a must for the bucket list.
Costs: FREE
95. Take a road trip in the Outback | Australia
Nowhere beats the Aussie Outback for a road trip. If you’ve got time and a car, try to drive out to the Red Centre and see Uluru.
Costs: FREE
96. Say hello to the dolphins at Monkey Mia | Western Australia
Bottlenose dolphins have been swimming up to the beach at Monkey Mia in Western Australia since the 70s—it’s amazing to see them so close up.
Costs: $15 AUD ($11)
97. Woosh down the Rere Rockslide | Gisborne, New Zealand
Pure, unbridled fun, you could spend days on this natural waterslide and not get tired. Bring a body board.
Costs: FREE
98. Hike the Tongariro Crossing | North Island, New Zealand
New Zealand is full of world-class hiking trails and this one-day option is a favorite. You’ll cross an active volcano and enjoy incredible views.
Costs: FREE
99. Gaze at the Milky Way | Canterbury, New Zealand
New Zealand is great for stargazing and one of the best places in the country to stare at the heavens is the Canterbury region—an official Dark Skies Reserve.
Costs: FREE
100. Chase waterfalls in Fiordland National Park | South Island, New Zealand
In a country known for epic scenery, Fiordland National Park is arguably the most beautiful of the lot. Ignore the advice of TLC and go chasing waterfalls.
Costs: FREE
101. Visit a traditional village in Fiji
Fiji is known for its glorious white sand beaches but it’s also worth heading inland a bit too, to check out one of the authentic, traditional villages that dot the islands.
Costs: FREE
Got a bit longer bucket list now? No worries, we’ve got discounted flights to anywhere you want to go.
