Top 5 bucket-list trips for every type of traveler
Whether you want to witness the Northern Lights with your significant other or take the entire family on a fun-filled beach getaway, here are five bucket-list trips to take from Alaska to Africa.
By Cassandra Brooklyn | December 18, 2025
Dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime trip and making memories that you’ll be talking about for years to come? Well, there’s no better time than now to start crossing bucket-list destinations off your travel to-do list. Whether your idea of a dream vacation includes action-packed adventure or you’d rather focus on cultured cuisine or relaxing at the spa, here are five can’t-miss bucket-list trips for every type of traveler.
In this article: Best bucket-list trips to take this year
Wellness in Waikiki
Wellness and Waikiki go hand in hand, like sun and salutation or holistic and Hawaii. Here, in Waikiki, seaside serenity and sunny skies meet golden sand and sapphire surf, inviting visitors to slow down, look inward, and appreciate the destination for what it is. For travelers drawn to mind and body wellness, Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa offers a rejuvenating sanctuary where self-care meets island splendor. With on-site yoga and Zumba classes, guests can greet the day with sun salutations or high-energy dance routines before retreating to the resort's 10th floor recreation deck for games or relaxation in a private cabana by the pool. For a deeper unwind, the on-site Asana Spa blends traditional techniques with tropical botanicals to restore balance and vitality. Complete your bucket-list getaway by indulging in a Hawaiian lomi lomi massage, volcanic mud body wrap, or refreshing ginger honey body scrub.
Make memories in Alaska
Couples chasing romance and the elusive Northern Lights will find both (and much more) in Fairbanks, Alaska. For some of the best aurora viewing in the world, make Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks your home base. While guided northern light tours are well worth pursuing, the spectacular sky show is often visible right outside the hotel on clear winter nights. Start your days with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast before exploring Fairbanks — from unique museums to dogsledding adventures. Then unwind for the evening by hopping in the hotel’s indoor whirlpool or curling up in bed with a hot drink. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or spontaneous escape, Fairbanks delivers a magical backdrop for romance.
Foodie fun in Japan
Japan is just as famous for its culinary traditions as it is for its picturesque villages, making it one of the best places to plan a mouth-watering vacation. For food-focused travelers craving both flavor and finesse, consider the award-winning ski-in, ski-out Hilton Niseko Village, which pairs gourmet indulgence with alpine adventure. Nestled at the foot of Mount Annupuri and facing the majestic, snowy cone of Mount Yōtei, the hotel is home to several standout restaurants, each showcasing Hokkaido’s rich bounty. Choose from melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef prepared in the traditional Teppanyaki method, pristine local seafood, and hand-crafted sushi, all paired with local wines and whiskeys. After a day of sampling regional delicacies and carving powder on soft slopes, revive your muscles with a soak in the hotel’s natural hot spring baths (onsen). Visiting during summer? Enjoy hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and the Niseko Village Golf Course next door.
Safari in South Africa
Although South Africa is renowned for its wildlife diversity and safari experiences, the fabulous food, culture, and nightlife of cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg draw visitors from around the world. However, it’s the country’s breathtaking coastline that gives guests a stunning backdrop for adventure and nature-filled getaways. It’s here that you’ll find an ideal coastal base at The Plettenberg, an SLH Hotel, perched high above the Indian Ocean along South Africa’s famed 190-mile (300-kilometer) Garden Route. Just a short drive from elephant rescues, marine preserves, and game reserves offering Big Five safaris, The Plettenberg blends refined comfort with wild, pulse-quickening experiences. Explore the region’s rugged beauty with opportunities for surfing, kayaking, and beachfront hiking just steps from the hotel. When it’s time to relax, multiple pools beckon with stunning bayfront views, while the Fresh Wellness Spa rejuvenates visitors with a full menu of unique treatments.
Family fun in Mexico
Warm weather, sun-soaked beaches, and easy access to some of Mexico’s most impressive ancient ruins make Cancun one of the best bucket-list destinations for families. Dive into hidden cenotes, day trip to Chichén-Itzá, or explore the colorful haven of Isla Mujeres. A stay at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort puts you at the heart of it all, making it easy to go from snorkeling through crystalline waters to shopping local markets. Beyond its outstanding location, the resort offers the perfect blend of relaxation and play, with spacious suites, kid-friendly dining, and a lively schedule of daily activities — from beach games and poolside crafts to glow parties and fire shows. Parents can unwind beachside or indulge in a locally inspired spa treatment while kids enjoy supervised programs designed just for them. Even older kids and teenagers can get excited about the video games, foosball, ping pong, and board games in the Teen Club.
Cassandra Brooklyn
Cassandra Brooklyn is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in travel, accessibility, sustainability, and all things outdoors. Originally hailing from the Midwest, she now lives in New York City but escapes to adventures around the world as often as possible. She's the author of the cycling guidebook, Cuba By Bike, has contributed to multiple guidebooks about Egypt, Portugal, and the United States, and she has bylines in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Forbes, The Daily Beast, and Lonely Planet, among others.
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