Ultimate Luxury Travel Bucket List
My whole life, I have maintained a travel bucket list with aspirational trips to look forward to and plan for. Some of these trips I have taken, while some remain on the list.
If you are looking to put together your own list or grow an existing list, keep reading for my ultimate luxury travel bucket list.
As luxury travelers, there are some trips and experiences that we cannot miss. From flying first class on the top airlines, to visiting all seven continents, these once in a lifetime experiences begin to define us.
This luxury travel bucket list is broken down by destinations, experiences, and tips for achieving them. Some of the items I have completed, while others remain on my personal list.
As you read this post, jot down any ideas that stand out to you then begin researching further to make them a reality.
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List of Luxury Travel Bucket List Destinations
Antarctica Cruise: Visiting All Seven Continents
Growing up, my family’s most ambitious travel goal was to visit all seven continents before I graduated college in 2019. From my first international trip to Europe at age 12 to cruising Antarctica at 19, this goal became a reality.
If you ask any avid traveler how many countries, states, or continents they have been to, the number is often at the top of their mind.
For many, visiting all inhabited continents is a straightforward feat. To take it to the next level, an Antarctica cruise is key.
In addition to checking off the seventh continent, there are many other reasons to go on an Antarctica vacation. These reasons include the amazing wildlife, breathtaking views and unique adventures.
On an Antarctica cruise, you will spend a few days crossing the Drake passage. Next, you will spend at least a week exploring different ports on the continent. Daily activities include zodiac tours, hikes, and naturalist lessons.
Skiing in the Alps: Zermatt Switzerland
I started skiing as soon as I could walk. I have skied all over North America and in Europe. Skiing the Swiss Alps is a bucket list vacation for beginner skiers and professionals alike.
While North America has many amazing ski resorts, skiing in the alps cannot be beat. The best place to ski in the alps is in Zermatt, Switzerland. Zermatt is a small alpine village on the border of Switzerland and Italy.
From Zermatt, you can ski next to the Matterhorn, ski across the Italian border and enjoy après ski in either country. In addition to skiing, Zermatt is a great village for shopping, winter activities and quaint local restaurants.
Read my complete guide to Zermatt to for some Zermatt travel tips.
Live Among the Jungle in Costa Rica
The next vacation on my luxury travel bucket list was to Costa Rica. The appeal of Costa Rica is the ability to explore outdoors and sleep among the jungle wildlife.
Costa Rica is a small central American country with abundant wildlife and more than fifty micro-climates.
On your Costa Rica trip, visit the Manuel Antonio National Park to sleep next to the ocean surrounded by monkeys and sloths. Next, head to La Fortuna to enjoy the cloud forest and jungle.
What makes Costa Rica bucket-list worthy is the access to nature, amazing people, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Read my guide to one week in Costa Rica to begin planning.
Explore Africa on a Luxury Safari
An African safari is one of the ultimate luxury bucket list vacations. I have gone on safari in East Africa and Southern Africa, which are my two favorite trips to date.
On safari, you will stay in luxurious lodges, tents, and eco-resorts. The daily game drives will be a highlight of your trip with abundant wildlife sightings.
To add to your bucket list on this trip, take a hot air balloon ride over the African bush. I did in the Serengeti and it was one of my best travel memories.
If a safari is on your luxury bucket list, be sure to check out what to expect on a south Africa safari. Also, check out my complete safari packing list.
See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is a wonderful destination for many reasons. In the summer, explore the unique landscape and enjoy outdoor activities. In the winter, revel in the icy beauty and traverse glaciers.
One of the ultimate bucket list experiences is seeing the northern lights. Theses lights can be seen in the northern hemisphere, primarily in winter months. Iceland is the perfect destination to hunt for the lights.
To see the northern lights in Iceland, book a superjeep excursion with trained professionals. For the best chances of seeing the lights, plan to search for multiple nights.
For more great activities, check out my complete guide to Iceland in the winter.
Have a Cultural Experience in Bali
If you follow any travel influencers, chances are you have seen their amazing experiences on this Indonesian island.
I have not yet been to Bali but hope to experience my own eat, pray, love moment there someday.
Bali is known for amazing beaches, affordable luxury, stunning temples, and lush rice paddies. Spend time exploring the popular areas of Ubud, Canngu and the Gili Islands.
Bali is an amazing place to visit for a week or a month, with each area having a different culture and feel.
If you have been to Bali, leave a comment below with your thoughts and tips. Find great bali travel guides from Jetset Christina.
Stay in an Overwater Bungalow in the Maldives
Staying in an overwater bungalow is at the top of my luxury travel bucket list. You can find overwater bungalows in many places including Fiji, French Polynesia, and even Mexico.
However, I aspire to stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives where luxury and relaxation are the top priorities. In the Maldives, there are many large resorts and boutique hotels offering amazing amenities and activities.
See Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
Many people may not put Japan on their luxury travel bucket list. However, it is high on mine. Specifically, I hope to travel to Japan during cherry blossom season.
In addition to the normal benefits of Japan such as unique culture and temples, the cherry blossoms are an added treat.
When in Japan, I plan to visit the major cities and small towns, using the unique bullet train system. I will indulge on all the amazing local food, which is a true bucket list experience.
What’s your perfect bucket list vacation?
Take this fun quiz to learn what destination you need to add to your travel bucket list based on your travel preferences, style, and interests!
Luxury Travel Experiences
In addition to luxury vacation destinations, a luxury travel bucket list must include bespoke experiences as well. Let me know in the comments if you have done any of the below activities.
Stay in a Five Star Hotel
What is your favorite resort? Mine is the Four Seasons Serengeti.
For me, a huge part of travel is experiencing a new culture through food, activities, and interactions with locals.
However, staying in a five-star hotel can be an experience of its own and will compliment the amazing culture of a location.
To check this item off your bucket list, either plan a staycation or book it on your next trip. Some of my favorite luxury hotel chains are four seasons, Fairmont, and St Regis.
When staying in a 5-star hotel, expect personalized service, upscale amenities, and a great location. Often, hotel staff will learn your name, preferences, and schedule to help you throughout the trip.
Luxury resorts will have amazing restaurants, spas, and fitness centers. Additionally, five-star hotels are typically in the best location for that specific destination.
Fly International First Class
The first time I flew international first class from Seattle to London, I did not want to get off the plane. The lay flat seats, fine dining menu and unlimited alcohol, flying first class can feel like a vacation.
Many travel hackers will plan trips around aspirational flights such as first and business class on the top airlines. Using miles or status upgrades is an affordable way to achieve this bucket list item without breaking the bank.
For next-level air travel, consider flying private. This isn’t on my list yet, but likely will be someday.
Rent a Luxury Vehicle
My boyfriend is a car enthusiast, so renting a luxury vehicle is at the top of our bucket list. We have yet to do this yet, but plan to rent a Ferrari on the French Riviera or a Porsche on the Autobahn. The plans are not set yet, but you get the gist.
Since luxury cars can be expensive and not very practical, opt to book one for a day trip or special segment of your trip.
Budgeting for Luxury Travel
Now that you have created a luxury travel bucket list, lets discuss how to afford it. Honestly, luxury travel is expensive and not for everyone.
I personally travel luxuriously about 50% of the time and choose to budget the other 50%.
The first step to saving for luxury travel is choosing where to splurge and where to spend. For example, when I go on a cruise, I save by getting an inside cabin but splurge or the beverage package and excursions. I often fly economy but spend a bit more for my hotel.
When considering your budget goals, focus on your priorities and what will bring you happiness. If you are an adrenaline junkie, spend a bit more on activities.
If you love a great massage, maybe opt for a wellness resort. If you love planes, shell out the extra cash for the first-class cabin.
Saving for Luxury Travel
Saving money is the number one way to afford to travel. Travel hacking, off season and other tips cannot compensate for the need to spend money on a trip.
To save for travel, I put aside a portion of each paycheck in a savings account dedicated to travel. Additionally, I save all bonuses and extra money to put toward trips.
Instead of gifts during holidays or birthdays, my family takes a trip together. If you prioritize travel over other expenses, it is very possible to afford to travel each year.
Using Points for Travel
I am by no means an expert of rewards travel but use points to get extra value in trips. Apply for a travel credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum card to convert savings to travel points.
Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or upgrades. For more tips and tricks to use travel points, check out my beginner’s guide to travel hacking.
Celebrating Your Bucket List
As you check experiences off your luxury travel bucket list, be sure to celebrate them. I like to create mementos from each trip to capture memories and share them with others.
For each trip longer than five days, I create a chatbook. Chatbooks are easy to make photo books. Using the app, you can add photos from your camera roll and personalize with captions or collages.
Each chatbook takes me approximately half an hour and costs between $30-$50 depending on the number of pages. Use my link for a discount on your first order.
Another simple way to honor your trips is to capture them in a mobile application. On the apple or android app store, choose and app that allows you to select which states or countries you have visited. It is fun to look back at the map and remember how much of the world you have seen.
Finally, share on social media. While social media has gotten a reputation for being a popularity contest or highlight reel, it can be a great place to share travel memories and connect with like-minded individuals.
My Instagram account (@thetravelingmoore) has become a gallery of my favorite memories that I cherish looking back on.
Final Thoughts
Overall, making a luxury travel bucket list is an amazing way to dream about future travel and select where to go next. Having a list allows you to set goals and save for a big, aspirational trip.
The best thing about bucket lists is that they never end. As you check one item off, be sure to add another. If you have anything on your bucket list that I did not mention above, leave it in the comments below.
