Tripadvisor announces the Travelers’ Choice Award Series: The Best of the Best Things to Do for experiences, tours, activities, and attractions. Since the pandemic, travelers have shifted from sitting poolside within a resort. Travelers across all ages indicated (60%) in a 2021 Tripadvisor survey that emerging from the pandemic they intend to book a local experience to get to know more about the destinations they plan to visit on their next trip, with interest rising further for millennial travelers. It’s the experiences travelers have on a trip that leave lasting impressions, frequently retold stories and unforgettable memories.
To inspire your next trip, here are 10 of the top 25 Bucket List Experiences around the world, according to Tripadvisor reviews.
1. Premium Red Dunes, Camel Safari & BBQ at Al Khayma Camp
For $70, you can enjoy the red dunes of Dubai’s Lahbab desert and a full range of desert activities. You’ll start this excursion with 4WD dune bash, sandboarding, and ATV ride. Then, visit the Bedouin-inspired Al Khayma camp for a camel ride, falcon interaction, and cultural activities before a starlit barbecue-buffet dinner and live show.
2. Classic Inca Trail Trek 4D/3N to Machu Picchu - Cusco, Peru
This 4-day excursion will take you through the famous Inca trail, considered one of the best hikes in the world. The trail is a mix of cultural, historical, and natural sights that offers an overview of the ancient Incas. Pass through villages and archaeological sites until you reach the sacred mountain of Machu Picchu, where you enjoy a guided tour.
3. Hot Air Balloons Ride - Luxor, Egypt
Fly above Luxor’s West Bank for an aerial perspective of the archaic sights at sunrise. Vast temples and soaring obelisks and statues are illuminated by the sun sitting low in the sky. Plus, you’ll be joined by an expert guide.
4. Cappadocia Balloon Ride and Champagne Breakfast - Goreme, Turkey
Rising from the plains of Anatolia, Cappadocia is an ancient, fairytale landscape famous for its honeycombed underground cities and towering, chimney-shaped rocks. Get a bird’s-eye view of the unforgettable scenery from the region’s best vantage point: hot-air balloon. Add in a breakfast buffet.
5. Blackstone Beach, Cliff Jump & Hidden Treasures - Aruba
Drive your own utility task vehicle (UTV) on this thrilling, heart-pumping off-road adventure. After an orientation from your guide, get behind the wheel to explore Aruba’s rugged, desert terrain. You also visit the Boca Cave Pool for cliff jumping—another exciting adrenaline rush. Round-trip transportation from your Aruba hotel is included.
6. Ziplining Forest Adventure - The Original Canopy Tour - Rotorua, New Zealand
7. Arenales Caves and River Adventure in Puerto Rico - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Spend an adventurous day hiking through rivers, visiting an underground cave, and swimming in San, Juan. Plus, finish off your adventure with a hike to a hidden spring.
8. Skydive Tandem - São Paulo, Brazil
You’ll be in safe hands when jumping from a height of 12,000 feet. Take off for a scenic flight over the city of Boituva. You’ll feel the thrill in a freefall of up to 50 seconds, reaching speeds of over 124 miles, then admire the views as you parachute down.
9. Northern Lights Adventure with Greenlander - Tromso, Norway
Embark on an adventurous Northern Lights chase in northern Norway on a Land Rover. You’ll be guided by a professional photographer in a small group. While on this adventure, you’ll capture the best possible photos of the Aurora Borealis. Travelers frequently call this tour “absolutely amazing” and a “magical night.”
10. Swim with the Manatees Includes In-Water Guide/Photographer - Crystal River, Florida, US
Hop aboard a US Coast Guard-certified vessel where you’ll join your Master Captain a journey into the Kings Bay refuge waters. Your personal expert in-water guide will also serve as your professional photographer to capture your manatee swim memories.
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