We've all got a bucket list. Those must-see sights and experiences we want to have around the world. Ours seems to be getting longer by the day, and if yours could do with some extra inspiration, you're in the right place. From ancient wonders and epic journeys to mountains that are begging to be climbed, the planet boasts some wonderful adventures.

Read on for the world's most unmissable travel experiences you have to do in your lifetime...

Mystery cloaks the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Get up close to the giant stones with a special access ticket, or join tens of thousands to see in the summer solstice. Either way you’ll be scratching your head about the monument's possible purpose – is it a solar calendar, burial place or even a UFO touchdown site?

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Scotland's capital has a truly special vibe in August, when a series of arts festivals hit the city. Chief among them is the Fringe, which sees pubs and bookshops, as well as theatres, become venues for comedy and drama, and the streets buzz with performers. The next event will be 2-26 August 2024.

Get out on deck to marvel at Norway’s rearing, rugged coastline. Cruise ships ply the network of fjords, travelling past spectacular waterfalls, sheer mountainsides and – with a bit of luck – schools of dolphins, porpoises and whales. The gushing cascades of UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord (pictured), one of the western fjords, should be top of your list.

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Never mind who you see, they’re going to sound fantastic at Red Rocks. With a backdrop of lofty red rock and sandstone formations, this is the world’s only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre. No wonder it’s attracted the best acts in the music business, from The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix, plus countless memorable live recordings.

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Forget about check-in queues and luggage restrictions, this is the way to travel. A trip on board the Orient Express is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every last detail evokes the golden age of travel, from the stewards in their dapper blue and gold uniforms to the glossy wood panelling of the restored sleeper cars. These days the Express runs between London and Venice or Verona; Paris and Istanbul or Berlin, but this experience is definitely more about the journey than the destination.

The thrill of swimming alongside the biggest fish on the planet can’t be beaten. From mid-March to mid-August, whale sharks head to Ningaloo on the Western Australian coast for the coral spawning season. That’s your chance to take a dip with these gentle giants, which can grow close to 60 feet (18m) long. They pose no threat to humans, so dive in and share the staggering sights of Australia’s largest fringing reef. Be sure not to touch these majestic creatures and read up on how to see them responsibly before you go. 

Pausing for afternoon tea is an English ritual. These days the definition of tea has stretched to include handbag-shaped macarons and palate-cleansing sorbets. A traditional spread should be dainty and delicious, and sustain you until the dinner gong sounds. Claridge’s, in Mayfair, puts on a classy show, with finger sandwiches, fluffy scones and delicate pastries to enjoy in supremely elegant Art Deco surroundings.

An enduring symbol of India, the Taj Mahal is one of the most photographed landmarks on Earth. But there’s nothing like seeing this marble masterpiece in the flesh. Millions of tourists make the pilgrimage here every year, but you can shake off (some of) the crowds by arriving at first dawn.

Easter Island, the Galápagos, Zanzibar – island escapes have a magic all of their own. Paradise can be found further from the equator though. The Isles of Scilly lie 28 miles (45km) off the tip of the Cornish coast but seem a world away. Venture there by helicopter and discover a subtropical climate, empty beaches, glorious botanical gardens and freshly caught seafood.

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You don’t have to be religious to take the ‘Pilgrim Route’, the long-established trail following in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims. These days, pilgrims don’t tend to trek all the way from their homes to Santiago de Compostela either, instead joining the set routes in France or Spain. More and more people are walking the camino and it’s easy to see why: the satisfaction of a challenge met, the joy of shared experience and (on the final leg) the glory of Galicia’s lush scenery.

In the summer months (and just a few other selected dates), Buckingham Palace's doors are thrown open, giving you a chance to see inside the royal residence. Around 20 State Rooms are accessible – you’ll glimpse the monarch’s impressive art collection, featuring Vermeer and Rembrandt, and the monogrammed pink-upholstered chairs of the Throne Room.

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At 6,345 feet (1,934m), Jebel Al Jais is the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates and a magnet for adrenaline junkies. Why? The mountain highway makes for a pretty spectacular road trip, looping from the desert floor past ridged peaks and yawning canyons. Not only that, Jebel Al Jais is also home to the world’s longest zipline – zoom along its 1.75 miles (2.8km) and enjoy a unique view of the austere mountain landscape.

An unlikely swathe of neon in the Nevada desert, larger-than-life Las Vegas is a city like no other. The hotels run the gamut from the loud and the lavish to the utterly bizarre, and staying in one is all part of the experience. Make sure you spend some time on the slots and catch a show at one of the city’s glitzy venues too.

For five centuries, under the Ming and Qing dynasties, ordinary Chinese people were banned from even approaching the walls of the Imperial Palace, hence its better-known name. Today, the palace at the heart of Beijing welcomes visitors daily. It’s a huge complex, grand in scale and design, but the intricate detail in the decorative elements and museum displays will overwhelm you too.

Get some perspective on celebrity culture with a 6.5-mile (10km) hike to see the famous Hollywood sign up close. The huge aluminium letters stand proud just below the 1,708-foot (520m) summit of Mount Lee, part of the Santa Monica Mountains. Passing through Griffith Park, you’ll see familiar scenes from movies such as Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land and then gaze down on the chaotic sprawl of the City of Angels.

Stand up close, and even inside the Pyramids at Giza and you'll feel the force of five millennia of human history. As familiar as these awe-inspiring triangular silhouettes may be, there’s nothing like seeing them with your own eyes, ideally at dawn or sunset. Astride a camel or horse is even better – cross the sands and admire the pyramids from endless different angles.

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Take your time to absorb Milan’s giant, gleaming marble Duomo (cathedral), which was centuries in the making. A clamber across the rooftop is a rare treat and commands grand views of the city beneath, and the Alps in the far distance. While you’re in town, make it a double whammy by heading for the bellissima church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and paying homage to Leonardo da Vinci’s famed mural, The Last Supper.

While it might mean tussling with the crowds, you simply can’t miss a walk along Dubrovnik’s famous city walls – they were pretty popular even before Game of Thrones. Circled by the stone walls, the Old Town is something of a time capsule, rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1667. The walls themselves date back in parts to the 10th century and are punctuated by remarkably well-preserved forts and towers.

Jamaica is an island doused in intoxicating rhythms, sounds, flavours, scents and sights. After days spent on the beach or snorkelling up to colourful coral, enjoy delicious jerk dishes, mouthwatering tropical fruit and rum on the side. Jamaica takes pride in its rum so make sure you do it justice – the strong stuff is served up in shots or elaborate cocktails in roadside joints and fancy cocktail bars all over the island.

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The iconic flat-topped silhouette of Table Mountain greets you as your flight touches down in Cape Town, and looms above as you sightsee. It’s only so long before you’ll be scaling it, choosing from a bevy of hiking trails which take in waterfalls, native fynbos vegetation, valleys and dams, not to mention fantastic views. You can always take the cable car down.

Grand in every sense, the Blue Mosque in the heart of Istanbul (officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is one of the city’s most famed and most popular monuments. The curvaceous exterior – an undulating series of domes and half domes – is offset by six slender minarets. Its more common name, the Blue Mosque, stems from the breathtaking blue Iznik-tiled interior. Visitors should follow the signs to the south door, and remember that the mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the six daily prayer times.

The curves of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are synonymous with the city, and with Australia itself. There’s a lot more of the harbour to explore, though – bays and headlands, parks and bush, as well as a handful of islands. Wend your way by ferry and make the most of the views. Or if it’s a wide-angle panorama you’re after, pluck up your courage and climb Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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No need for a designated driver when you board the wine train – with lunch onboard and a range of winery tours, this is one hassle-free way to discover some of Napa Valley’s top winemakers. Or if you want to beat the crowds, head west to Sonoma – the picturesque town is a great base for exploring Wine Country. Taste your way round family-owned or boutique outfits such as Patz & Hall or Keller Estate.

Cross the Atlantic in style aboard the Queen Mary 2, the iconic ocean liner operated by Cunard. The trip typically takes seven nights, travelling from the slightly dim city lights of Southampton to the full wattage of New York. As you’d expect, there’s everything from dance lessons, spa treatments and planetarium visits to keep you entertained en route.

Dive into the Deep South with a pilgrimage to New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. There are countless venues to choose from but don’t miss live traditional jazz at Preservation Hall in the French Quarter. Or time your trip to coincide with Jazz Fest, held each spring, and catch the best classic and up-and-coming musicians, plus parades, crafts and mouthwatering food.

Belize packs quite a punch, despite its small size. Running along its coast is the second-largest coral reef in the world. The kaleidoscopic coral, sea turtles, parrotfish, dolphins and rays simply demand that you jump in a kayak, don a snorkel mask or a tank, and discover an amazing underwater realm.

Round off a stay in fair Verona with a night of opera under the stars. The Arena di Verona Opera Festival runs from June to September each year and takes place in the original Roman arena, dating from the 1st century AD. Nowadays it plays host to big-name 21st-century acts as well as classical opera. Either way, you’re in for a memorable night.

Lalibela, a town in northern Ethiopia, is famed for its 11 monolithic churches: impressive buildings carved into hunks of rust-coloured rock. These ancient, underground structures are still worshipped in today and attract thousands of pilgrims per year. Visit in January for Orthodox Christian Christmas to witness the 12-hour-long mass.

Be ready for a dizzy spell when you gaze up at this gigantic hydroelectric dam. The construction of the Itaipú dam created such an enormous reservoir that the nearby waterfalls of Seta Quedas were flooded – at almost five miles (8km) long and 640 feet (195m) high, this is one big dam. In the rainy season when the water levels peak, the sight is all the more impressive.

The Thai New Year (13 to 15 April) is marked with a national holiday and an almighty water fight. In a sort of days-long ‘rain dance’ at the driest point in the year, buckets, water blasters and hoses are put to use and everyone gets thoroughly soaked. The best place to get caught up in the high-spirited action is Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, but celebrations take place all over the country.

This annual celebration, marking the beginning of Lent, is a wonderful time to explore one of the most famous cities in the world. People dress up in elaborate masks and costumes, making Venice's slim streets even more picturesque and atmospheric. Book your tickets for the Grand Ball and become someone else for the night. Prepare for crowds, as the event is popular with Italian tourists and locals.

Stay at the edge of the jungle and make the most of the myriad wildlife encounters on offer in Sepilok. Of course the rainforest brims with amazing sights and sounds, but a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC) is extra special. Meet orphaned or injured orangutans and support the work of an outstanding organisation that helps prepare them for reintroduction to the wild.

No first-time visit to Paris is complete without going up the Eiffel Tower. But there are many other viewing points to enjoy the vistas of the city too. Try the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur or the Pompidou Centre, and head to the Arc de Triomphe for spectacular views of Paris at night.

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The number-one day trip from Paris, and a sensational destination in its own right, the Château de Versailles is simply 'magnifique'. Opulent throughout, the extravagance of Louis XIV reaches its zenith in the Hall of Mirrors, a huge ballroom lined with 17 enormous mirrors reflecting the garden view through the 17 windows opposite. Access to the exquisite formal gardens is free, aside from on days (and some nights) when the entertaining musical fountain shows are held.

Nearly 3,000 years old, the Italian capital is a living, breathing museum. From the ancient Roman Forum and Colosseum to the 18th-century Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna, each century has left its mark on Rome. Perhaps the most spectacular of all is the Vatican, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, that holds such treasures including the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. 

This famous Mexican festival celebrates the ones we love who have passed on. Thousands of people attend the Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City, faces painted with sugar skull designs and dressed as La Calavera Catrina – the embodiment of Death. 

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The 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle, perched on a hill high above the Bavarian countryside, is one of the most famous in the world. Put your best hiking boots on and trek up the rugged hill to explore the idyllic castle and its astonishing interior.

A reputation for incomparable luxury, flawless talcum-powder beaches and superlative marine life make the Maldives a popular honeymoon destination. But you don’t need to walk down the aisle to enjoy this slice of paradise. Maldives tourism is opening up beyond the exclusive Indian Ocean resorts to include welcoming guesthouses. With 1,200 islands, and bucket-list worthy beaches throughout, island-hopping by ferry, flight or speedboat is an exciting option too.

Most guides recommend enjoying the sublime scenery of Lake Garda from the water. Ferries ply up and down between the main towns, but there’s another, more dramatic way to do it, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. Remember the opening scenes of Quantum of Solace? That breathtaking car chase in and out of tunnels along a lakeside road? Make like 007 (at a responsible speed, of course) and admire the lake from the winding route that carves through the mountainside and discover Garda’s quieter waterside villages.

Sleek skyscrapers, sparkling shopping malls, super-duper transport – all present and correct. Now a welcome push to make Singapore more eco-friendly has resulted in some wonderful green spaces, which must be seen to be believed. Gardens by the Bay encompasses three waterfront gardens, with conservatories, promenades and the astonishing Supertrees, which stretch skywards like a futuristic, as yet unidentified species.

Stray away from the big hits of the Golden Triangle – connecting Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, the most visited cities in India’s northwest – and strike real gold. Ranthambore National Park comprises vast swathes of jungle scrub, centred on the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort. It’s known as one of the best places to spot wild tigers in Rajasthan – long may that continue.

Whether it’s ziplining above a cloud forest or spotting birds from a suspension bridge, the best way to explore Costa Rica is from a height. Just remember to pack some binoculars.

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A visit to the US capital and government HQ is a must – if only to admire the imposing architecture. Take a free tour of the White House and imagine holding down the most powerful job in the world. DC has a lot to offer besides political symbols, though. Tick off some more bucket list items with a scoot round a few of the 25 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city and its suburbs. 

Have the unique experience of seeing a volcano from the inside, by descending 390 feet (120m) into Thrihnukagigur. This dormant Icelandic volcano, around 17 miles (27km) from Reykjavík, is the only place on Earth where you can enter a magma chamber.

There’s no denying a pint of the black stuff tastes best on home soil. Seek out a historic, cosy pub (Mulligan’s is one to try) to sample this thick, charcoally stout or join a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, culminating with a perfect pint at the rooftop Gravity Bar.

On the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by rugged mountains, there’s no mistaking that Queenstown is an outdoorsy sort of place. Come in the Kiwi winter to ski or for watersports galore in the summer, but don’t get cold feet about bungee jumping. This is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, after all. Pick from three of the world’s most stunning sites and savour the moment. 

You can barely turn a corner in Barcelona without stumbling across one of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces. The Catalunya-born architect’s best-known work is the Sagrada Familia, a towering basilica that’s as impressive inside as it is out. Make time too for the intricate Casa Batlló and the whimsical Park Güell, which offers panoramic views over the city.

Every year, from late March to the beginning of May, nature works its magic in Japan as cherry trees reach full bloom. Head to the Fuji Five Lakes region around mid-April to and visit the Chureito Pagoda for stunning views of Mount Fuji, surrounded by the pink and white blossoms. In Tokyo, join locals for a hanami – a picnic beneath the cherry blossoms in one of the city's green spaces.

Ditch the 4WD in favour of a camel, and really get to grips with desert life. Arcs of sand, mountains and plateaus – the Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert and possibly one of the most forbidding places on Earth. But the utter contrast with everyday life is why you should visit. Help load up your camel and set off with a local guide for an exceptional trek – be sure to choose a responsible tour operator with a robust animal welfare policy.

Make dreams come true for little and big kids alike with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the acme of theme parks, Walt Disney World. Never mind the thrilling rides and live shows, it’s all about the chance to shake hands with an oversized mouse! Mickey tends to hang out in Magic Kingdom – one of the four theme parks which make up Disney World’s 40 square miles (103sq km). Find him at the Town Square Theater on Main Street USA, but also check the character greeting time handouts.

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Held annually in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest is the biggest beer festival in the world. Accompanied by delicious German sausages, folk music and lots of other festivities, Oktoberfest celebrates the best of Bavarian beer.

Feel the power! Never mind the arcades and amusements (dinosaur mini golf, anyone?), the draw of the Falls is near-magnetic. Made up of a trio of cascades, Niagara Falls has the world’s highest flow rate and you’ll be captivated by the sight of the gushing water, and almost deafened by their thundering roar. After dark, the Falls make a different impression, with multicoloured illuminations and (from May to October) a nightly firework display.

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Once a trade route that connected east and west, the Silk Road snakes its way from eastern China through Central Asia all the way to Greece and Italy. Whether you choose to travel by car or train, backpack or go on a guided tour, tracing the steps of the ancient traders, who significantly contributed to the development of several civilisations, is an unforgettable experience.

Snaking its way through Brazil, Peru and Colombia, the Amazon River extends for more than 4,000 miles (6,437km). Take to it by boat or kayak (most people set off in Brazil) and glide through jungle-lined waterways in search of some of the planet’s most colourful wildlife. The area is home to more than a third of the world’s species, so you have a good chance of spotting everything from toucans to noisy howler monkeys.

Every year in autumn, New England's foliage puts on a spectacular show of colour as the trees transition from green to shades of red, yellow and orange. Ride a cable car over the hills and valleys in Vermont or rent a car and drive along the scenic byways.

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This UNESCO-protected Chilean island is best known for its moai, hundreds of stone statues scattered around the landscape. Dating from between AD 1100 and 1680, some are almost whole figures, and some are just giant heads. But how they were moved around the island remains a mystery.

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Iceland, Canada, Alaska and Norway are among the best places for spotting the colourful shimmerings of the aurora borealis – just head away from the city lights and cross your fingers for a clear night.

The world's largest religious monument, Angkor Wat is part of a sprawling temple complex just outside Siem Reap, Cambodia, that dates back to the 12th century. Sunrise here is one of the most incredible sights in Southeast Asia.

From the world's largest tortoises to colourful crabs and a huge variety of birds, the Galápagos are a haven for wildlife. Charles Darwin sailed here on the Beagle, and now visitors can explore on an adventure cruise.

Greece's islands run the gamut from built-up party hotspots to traditional places where few tourists venture. Ferries from Athens will get you to islands such as Santorini (pictured), with its photogenic hillside houses, or Milos, with its blissful beaches.

The Grand Canyon is a dramatic sight whichever way you look at it. But getting down inside gives you the chance to appreciate just how deep it is, as you paddle your way along the Colorado River.

A vast mountain range sprawling across India, Bhutan, Pakistan and Nepal, the Himalayas are home to some of the world’s highest peaks. The most famous is Mount Everest, which soars 29,000 feet (8,839m) above sea level. Comfortable lodges and tours are continually making the region more accessible, though make sure you're prepared for all conditions and choose a reputable operator. 

The Virungas, a collection of forest-clad dormant volcanoes in east Africa, are the only place where you can see mountain gorillas in the wild. Join an expert guide at Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park or Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and track down a group of these amazing creatures, which you can watch in their natural habitat.

Between the beaches and the highlands of the South Indian state of Kerala lies a verdant region criss-crossed by waterways and dotted with traditional villages. A boat trip, either for an afternoon or for several days, will let you soak up the views and catch a glimpse of rural Keralan life.

With its incredible architecture carved out of pinkish rock, Petra in Jordan is also known as the Rose City. It's thought to have been established as early as 312 BC, and today you can wander between its ancient temples, tombs and theatres, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Spot colourful marine life and bright corals as you dive or snorkel around the world's largest coral reef system, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The reef has suffered huge environmental damage though, so read up on responsible diving before you go.

Leave Reykjavík far behind and head northeast, striking out on a hike through Jökulsárgljúfur National Park to see Europe’s most powerful waterfall, the jaw-dropping Dettifoss. Iceland isn’t short of stunning waterfalls but this caps them all. The surrounding landscape is surprisingly lush in summer, with wildflowers dotted against the green. Quite a contrast, then, with the drama of the roaring falls plunging into the canyon below.

The huge physical and emotional effort of climbing Africa's highest mountain is all worth it once you reach the summit, where you'll find glistening glaciers, incredible views and a distinct feeling of self-satisfaction. And though you'll need a base level of fitness, you don't have to be at marathon-runner level – it's all about taking the pace 'pole pole' (slowly slowly), as the local guides say.

The Brazilians know how to party, and each year during Lent, Rio de Janeiro hosts the world's biggest carnival. Take to the streets to watch the parade of colourful floats and samba dancers before heading to one of the clubs to try out your moves.

The Great Migration sees around 1.5 million wildebeest (plus 200,000 zebras) make their way across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Time your safari right and you'll be in for one amazing wildlife experience.

Unwind on the tropical archipelago of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. Here you’ll witness an enchanting fusion of African, Arabic and Indian influences, especially in capital Stone Town’s spice-fragranced warren of alleys, bustling markets and Arab-built Old Fort. Beautiful palm-fringed beaches and spectacular scuba-diving complete the idyllic picture.

The pretty Indian tea town of Darjeeling is not only worth visiting in its own right, but also for the chance to take a scenic railway journey through the foothills of the Himalayas. While the full route, from New Jalpaiguri, is served by a modern diesel engine, for a more romantic experience try the Darjeeling-Ghum tourist service, operated by steam train.

Salt flats above the surface are bizarre enough, but subterranean salt is something else. You’ll plunge deep underground at the Wieliczka salt mine, southeast of Kraków, which has been in operation since the 13th century. Prepare to be spellbound by the cavernous chambers, where statues, chapels and even chandeliers have been intricately carved from rock salt. A man-made feat, using Mother Nature’s ingredients – something else indeed.

Salsa is synonymous with Cuba. Once the sun sets in Havana, hit one of the many salsa clubs in the capital to dance the night away to local music. Or, if you're unsure of your moves, take a salsa class at one of the many schools.

Standing tall in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, this giant rock is at its most magical at daybreak, when it appears to change colour as the sun rises. If you can't make the early start, get here for sunset instead.

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Visit Jigokudani in winter and you might have some unusual company in the onsen (hot springs): Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys. If they don't join you for a dip, head to the Monkey Park, where the pools are reserved strictly for primates. Jump on a bullet train and make the most of your time in Japan with other weekend trips from Tokyo.

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Uyuni, in southwest Bolivia, is home to the world’s largest salt desert, sprawling across more than 4,000 square miles (10,360sqkm). You can cross it in a 4x4, but getting out and standing on the vast white expanse will give you a real idea of its size.

The rocky expanse of Chile’s Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth – it’s also one of the world’s greatest dark-sky reserves. The area has almost zero light pollution and a clutch of observatories, so it’s the perfect place to gaze upon a starry night sky.

Get away from it all with a night under canvas in the wilderness, with not another person in sight. The rules on wild camping vary from country to country, but Sweden (pictured) is ultra-relaxed about it, with plenty of natural beauty spots just waiting for you to pitch up. Just remember to leave no trace.

From Route 66 to a meandering journey through the Deep South, the USA is ripe for road trips. Just remember, in the land of kitsch diners and roadside attractions, you'll need plenty of time for detours. 

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Los Glaciares National Park is home to otherworldly glaciers and huge icebergs, which you can drift between – and catch on camera – during a boat ride on one of the Patagonian park's two lakes.

Getting to the remote Scottish island of Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, is as much an adventure as exploring the island itself. The airport here is the only one in the world to use a beach as its runway for scheduled flights – so you step out of your small plane and right onto the sand.

Whether it's pizza in Naples or pasta with pesto in Genoa, you won't ever go hungry in Italy. Just remember, when you're in Bologna, it's 'tagliatelle al ragu' and definitely not 'spaghetti bolognese;'.

Mushing – controlling a sled pulled by dogs – is a delicate art form; one wrong pull of the ropes and you could find yourself head over heels on the ice. But get it right and you'll be dashing through the snow in the company of a group of lively huskies, surrounded by magnificent winter scenery.

Stretching thousands of miles across China, various iterations of the Great Wall have existed since the 7th century BC – though most of what you can see today dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). You can't walk the entire thing, but some sections are an easy day trip from Beijing.

Milford and Doubtful Sounds are among New Zealand's most beautiful stretches of water, and paddling is the ideal way to see South Island's fjords close up. Hire a kayak and go out solo, or join an organised overnight trip to camp out.

Getting to Antarctica isn't easy; even once you've got to the world's southernmost city – Ushuaia in Argentina – you have a choppy voyage ahead before you reach this icy continent. But once you do, you have the chance to see huge colonies of penguins, various species of whale, and icebergs as tall as buildings.

Forget taking a yellow cab and explore New York City on foot, whether it's seeing the bright lights of Times Square by night, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to look back at Manhattan, or spending a day exploring green spaces such as Central Park or the High Line. Walking is the perfect way to immerse yourself fully in one of the world's greatest cities.

Brave the altitude to admire the picturesque Andes as you take the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru's 15th-century, UNESCO-listed Inca citadel. There are three routes to try, while for non-hikers (or tired feet on the way back), there's also a train.

Once you enter a Moroccan souk it can be tough to leave – either because there's so much to see, or you simply can't find your way out. Marrakech is home to some of the best, selling everything from spices and tea to kaftans and tiles. The main stretch of stalls can be found at Souk Semmarine, so start there and see where your feet take you.

Embrace your inner child on a night among the treetops, whether it's in one of the quirky constructions at Sweden's Treehotel, or one of the UK's many luxury options, such as the Woodman's Treehouse (pictured) in Dorset.

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If you love catching waves – or want to learn how – you can't do better than Hawaii. Waikiki, on Oahu, is a place of pilgrimage for surfers from all over the world, and there are plenty of surf schools on the beach waiting to show novices the ropes.

Eating local food is a great way to get to know a place, and a cookery lesson while on holiday can offer cultural insight as well as expanding your skills – with the added bonus of a tasty meal at the end.

Whether you're on an Arctic cruise or a trip to the "polar bear capital of the world" (Churchill in Manitoba, Canada), don't miss the chance to catch sight of these majestic creatures as they climb icebergs, search for food or cuddle up in the snow.

Choose to rough it or ride the rails in style on this route, which takes you all the way from Moscow to Siberia (and beyond, if you wish), passing some spectacular scenery along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Ural mountains and enormous Lake Baikal.

The Dutch capital is regularly named one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world, with a great network of bike paths and countless places to buy/rent/repair your two wheels. So make like a local and use pedal power to get around town – just watch out for the canals.

It may not be the world's highest or widest waterfall, but Victoria Falls, at the Zambia-Zimbabwean border, is definitely one of the planet's most dramatic. There's no better way to see it than soaring overhead in a helicopter, either.

Cappadocia's surreal landscapes, decorated by unique rock formations, make for a spectacular hot air balloon ride. Fly over the impressive valleys, see local orchards and vineyards and experience breathtaking sunsets. 

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From the treasures at the British Museum to the wonders of the Natural History Museum, London boasts some truly world-class exhibits. And the best thing? Many of the Big Smoke’s top institutions are free to enter. Museum hop in South Kensington, or take in modern art at the Tate, before exploring smaller venues such as the curious Hunterian Museum, which focuses on anatomy.

30 quintessentially British experiences you must try before you die

This white salt pan, tucked within the Namib-Naukluft Park, is an otherworldly sight. Dotted with petrified trees and surrounded by rust-red dunes, the dry mineral pan of Deadvlei is perfect fodder for budding photographers. Time your visit for sunset for some truly spectacular shots.

Granted, there are quite a few contenders for this accolade – enough to build a whole new bucket list. But this beach certainly ticks all the boxes. Grace Bay on Providenciales, one of the idyllic Turks and Caicos islands, boasts powder-white sand and clear turquoise water. 

How many of the world's most beautiful beaches have you visited?