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With so many amazing places in the world worth traveling to, deciding where to go and actually planning your trip can be difficult.
Are you seeking adventure or relaxation? Culture and ancient history, or wilderness and wildlife? Whatever you decide, there are places that fit the bill. Here are four bucket list trips to consider this year:
1. Take a Cruise to Alaska
In Alaska, you can see mountains, glaciers, forests, amazing wildlife, and more. And on a fun, relaxing Alaskan cruise, you can experience all the best attractions without worrying about scheduling separate activities on your itinerary.
Start from Seattle or Vancouver on a seven-day round trip through the Inside Passage, a network of waterways along the coast. The water is so deep and calm that cruise ships can move right next to cliffs. You’ll see beautiful islands, bays, coves, and fjords.
You also have the option of whale watching or dog sledding in Juneau, and exploring the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka. If you want a few days on land, consider combining your cruise with a few nights of camping in Denali National Park & Preserve. A journey to the Yukon frontier is an option as well.
2. Explore Europe
The problem with exploring Europe is knowing where to start. London, Paris and Rome tend to be the most visited cities, each offering amazing sights, history and food. While in England, you have to visit Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Westminster Abbey. But don’t forget about the city’s beautiful royal parks, including Regent’s Park.
Consider renting a boat and cruising down Regent’s Canal in Little Venice to get a different perspective.
When you tour France, you can take in the views from the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, visit a French vineyard, enjoy famous works of art at the Louvre, and enjoy delicious French food. In Italy, consider hiring a guide to share the stories of the country’s most popular historical landmarks.
3. See the Wildlife in Africa
In Africa, all of your childhood dreams can come true on a safari filled with elephants, lions, rhinos, and many other animals in their natural habitats.
The best countries for viewing wildlife are Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda. Many tours are available, but you should book your trip far in advance to get the best deal. These safaris operate in small groups, so only a limited number of spaces are available.
The Lonely Planet recommends visiting sometime between June and September when South Africa’s winter weather makes animal watching ideal.
4. Tour Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the most modern cities in the world, and it has a variety of beautiful historic sites. You can visit the Imperial Palace, shop for the latest fashions, and see a historic Buddhist temple.
The National Museum of Nature and Science opened in 1871. It’s one of the oldest museums in the country, and its collection contains more than 250,000 items.
Ueno Park is the biggest green space in the city, and it’s especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters tall. It’s the tallest freestanding tower anywhere and the tallest structure in the country. The view from the top is spectacular, and it has a restaurant and multiple observation decks.
Whether you’re interested in impressive landscapes, amazing architecture, or a rich history, you can find what you’re looking for at one of these destinations. Plan ahead for a fun, stress-free trip, and make sure you take plenty of time off work.
Also, save some extra cash so that you can splurge on souvenirs for friends and family members.