My goal is to visit as many countries as possible in this lifetime, but we all know that travel takes alot of planning—and money. I try to aim for 5 to 10 new destinations every year, with a balance of popular vacation destinations and hidden gems that most people wouldn't have on their list. Social media has made some places on my list become a trending hotspot, but I also want to experience some destinations that aren’t constantly on my feed too.
Here’s my 2025 travel bucket list, along with some must-do activities that I look forward to doing in each destination!
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil’s PR has been working overtime! And it’s definitely been working because it's become a very popular destination recently. It's always been on my top 10, but with its recent surge in popularity and almost no bad reviews, it’s now made its way to my top five.
Rio seems like the perfect place for a balanced traveler like myself. It offers beach life, art, food, music, nature, sightseeing, culture, and adventure. From what I’ve seen, it’s also pretty budget-friendly, which is a huge plus. And of course, it’s home to one of the most famous wonders of the world, Christ the Redeemer.
I’d love to visit during Carnaval in February or attend a football (soccer) game to experience the culture in its purest form. Brazil also has some stunning Airbnb and hotel options, the people seem incredibly friendly, and the culture is so vibrant in everything they do.
I haven’t seen a single bad review about Brazil yet! The only concern I've seen people discuss is safety, since pit pocketing and targeted crime is known in the area. Hopefully, I’ll soon be able to add to the Brazil PR myself!
2. Japan
Tokyo is another insanely popular destination right now, and I completely understand why. Japan is known for its architecture, culture, food, art, and fashion.
One of the main reason I’m holding off on this trip is because Japan is a shopping paradise for vintage and designer lovers like myself. I want to go to Japan without a budget, so I can shop til I drop.
Outside of Tokyo’s fashion scene, Japan has an incredibly rich cultural history too. From geishas, to ramen, and even matcha, we can all see Japan’s influence everywhere in mainstream media. There’s so much to see—between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, plus other not so popular towns and cities. Even though Japan isn’t typically known for its beaches, there are some beautiful ones there too.
Some must-do activities on my list include:
•Disneyland & Universal Studios Japan
•Mario Kart racing through the streets of Tokyo
•Visiting Adventure World to see pandas
•Feeding the bowing deer in Osaka
The only thing holding me back? Stacking up my money for shopping and finding a travel buddy to take all my outfit photos!
3. South Africa
South Africa is another country that perfectly balances nature, culture, history, and adventure too.
As a nature lover, I can’t wait to go on safari tour and see the incredible wildlife up close. But beyond that, South Africa’s rich history draws me in too. As someone who loves a good history lesson, I'm hoping that the deep cultural and historical connections make this trip feel meaningful.
Then, of course, there’s the stunning landscapes—mountains, beaches, and Victoria Falls, which I just have to see.
And let’s not forget South Africa’s music scene. As the home of Amapiano music, I literally need to experience the nightlife there. I’m not usually a nightlife type of traveler, but South Africa is one of the few places where I’d happily stay out past my bedtime.
4. Greece
Greece has been on my bucket list since forever. I’ve always dreamed of having my honeymoon in Santorini, and guess what? My dream is coming true because this year, I’m not only honeymooning in Santorini, I’m getting married there too! Santorini is the ultimate romantic, picturesque destination.
Outside of Santorini, I also want to island-hop to the other Greek Islands and explore more of what Greece has to offer. There’s so many different islands with different vibes and aesthetics, and I would love to explore a few while I’m there:
•Santorini – Romantic, dreamy, classic honeymoon vibes •Crete – Aesthetically pleasing, peaceful, perfect for a retreat
• Paros – Stunning beaches, less touristy than Mykonos
Beyond the islands, I also want to visit Athens to experience its rich history and art. As a former social studies teacher, I remember teaching about Ancient Greece and now, I’ll finally get to see places like the Acropolis in person.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru
One of my long-term travel goals is to visit all the wonders of the world, and Machu Picchu is next on my list.
So far, I’ve checked off two of the seven wonders, and I’m determined to make Machu Picchu number three. I’ve done my research, and the journey to get there isn’t easy, but I’m always down for an adventure.
This is a trip that I wouldn’t mind doing solo too. Some places need no explanation. The pictures of Machu Picchu speak for themselves. Honestly, seeing a picture of it is what made me add it to my bucket list in the first place.
That wraps up my 2025 travel bucket list. Hopefully, I’ll get to experience all of these destinations and share my adventures with you! Which of these places is on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!
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