It’s no secret that my family and I love to travel. I’ve been this way ever since I was a little girl, when we traveled often for my dad around America to play baseball and then even Europe for a stint! Fun fact…I attended first grade in Milan, Italy! Now that I’m a parent myself, I love sharing similar travel experiences with my own family, from summers spent in Spain to spring break trips I’ll never forget. Likewise, JB and I enjoy traveling without the kids from time to time as well. Though it’s not as easy with logistics now that they are older. Â
I’m often asked about our favorite places to visit, and honestly, it’s hard to narrow it down. There’s something I enjoy at almost every destination. But so many of you have asked that I figured it’s time I buckle down and make a list of what I’d consider trips of a lifetime.
Today, I’ll be sharing the top ten destinations on my travel bucket list. These are all places I’ve personally visited, and they stand out above all the others. I’m also going to share five additional spots that are currently sitting on my personal travel wish list, as a girl can never do too much research!
The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
When trying to decide which locations to add to this travel bucket list, I kept a few things in mind. First, I wanted to include a variety of spots, some that work great for families and others that might be geared toward adults-only travel. Second, I really honed in on destinations that are unique and worth the trip. Sure, I love a beach vacation right here in sunny Florida as much as the next girl, but these bucket list spots are different. They’re one-of-a-kind, unforgettable, and breathtaking, each in their own way.
Without further ado, these are my top ten recommendations worthy of adding to your travel bucket list.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
JB and I visited Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel high in the Andes Mountains, in the fall of 2019. I’ve been trying to get back there ever since. The view is truly incredible, and it was one of the most magnificent things we’ve ever seen. I could not believe it was real, and I can’t wait to take our sons someday!
I loved everywhere we visited in Peru—the hotels and the experiences. I highly recommend the Hiram Bingham Express, which is a luxury train that takes you to Machu Picchu. The entire trip was magical.
2. Japan
We visited Japan as a family in the summer of 2026, and it instantly earned a spot on my travel bucket list. We hopped around to Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto while we were there, and looking back, I still get a little happy sigh just thinking about it. Between all of the activities, beauty, and culture we experienced, it was an unforgettable trip for our family of four.
More on Japan:
3. South African Safari
My in-laws have been on several safaris and took us on one in August of 2025. It was such a breathtaking experience! There’s something about riding through the African bush at dusk, surrounded by all of these wild animals. My oldest son sat in the front of the jeep on every trip, just wide-eyed with wonder the entire time. We’re heading back to see the migration in 2027, and I can’t wait!
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4. Sailing the British Virgin Islands
In 2025, we set sail in the British Virgin Islands with the boys and my parents, and it was definitely a trip of a lifetime. We had been to the BVIs before, but we had always stayed on land. Actually sailing on a yacht for the entire trip was a game changer. There was something so magical about sailing around and docking at a different spot each night. Not to mention, the water in the BVIs is beyond gorgeous!
5. Venice, Italy
I had always wanted to show my kids Venice, so I jumped at the chance to take them during last year’s spring break. As a child, I remember being completely wowed by this place the moment I arrived. Later, I went back with JB as a newlywed and, most recently, with the boys. The architecture, the canals, the Murano glass…there is nowhere on earth like Venice! And I loved being able to witness my kids’ first time there. I highly recommend adding this to your travel bucket list, whether it’s with adults or as a family.
More on Venice, Italy:
6. Guatemala Fishing Trip
Last spring, we took a family and friends fishing trip to Guatemala, and it was full of adventure, fun, and so many laughs. JB caught his very first marlin, and together with our friends, we caught over 80 sailfish! If you’re up for an adventure, then this fishing trip certainly deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. My kids and husband will be talking about it for the rest of their lives!
7. Staying at a Castle in Ireland
A few summers ago, we stopped in Ireland and explored a bit before heading to the boys’ Spanish Immersion Camp in Spain. We started in Dublin, then traveled to Killarney, and lastly, stayed at Dromoland Castle near Ennis, Ireland. Our boys were the perfect age for this experience. Upon arriving at the castle, they knight you, which tickled us all! The grounds are expansive, the Irish were so welcoming to our boys, and the beauty is unreal—so much green!
More on Dromoland Castle:Â
8. London, England
I’ve been lucky to experience London multiple times, and more than once as a family. It is such a fun and lively spot to visit, and I’ll always say yes to another trip!
There is one specific London adventure that belongs on this travel bucket list, and it’s experiencing a Premier League game! The last time we visited, we had the opportunity to go to two games, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to top the Tunnel Club experience at Manchester City! The boys got to high-five LEGENDS. And of course, we had so much fun with the rest of our time in London as well. It never disappoints.
More on London:
9. Holiday Season in Switzerland
Having lived in Switzerland, JB and I had always dreamed of taking our boys skiing there someday. A few years ago, we were able to make it happen, and I love that their first taste of skiing was in the Swiss Alps! I will always look back on this trip with the happiest smile. Fondue, petting Bernese mountain dogs, cozy nights by the fire, going to the Top of Europe, and watching the boys ski down the mountain—it was dreamy!
10. A Summer in Spain
You know a Basque summer had to make the list! Even though we’ve done this one five times, it never gets old. Spanish school, surfing the afternoons away, eating the most delicious food, and beautiful hikes…every time we wrap up our summer there, we collectively dream of our next visit!
Five Destinations on My Travel Bucket List
Now that I’ve shared my ten top recommendations based on personal experience, I thought it might be fun to share five destinations that are currently on my own travel bucket list. A few of these are spots I’ve never visited, and a few are places I think would be extra magical to experience with the boys.
- Colombia: I’ve never been, but I’ve heard wonderful things!
- Argentina: Another South American country on my wish list. I’m dying to go skiing there!
- Budapest (with the kids): JB and I went in 2018, and I’d love to take the kids one day.
- Prague: This is another spot JB and I have visited (as newlyweds). It is truly a fairy-tale city that I’m eager to share with the boys.
- India: There’s so much I want to see and do there!
Ready to Build Your Travel Bucket List?
There you have it—my top ten travel bucket list destinations, plus five more currently on my wish list. I hope these recommendations are helpful as you map out your next trip, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I’ll be sure to continue sharing more of our travel adventures as we go, so keep checking back!
For more travel favorites, head to these posts:
The 16 Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
International Travel Checklist: Everything You Need to Pack
How to Enjoy Traveling with Kids: 15 Tips from a Seasoned Mom
