Trips to tick off your travel bucket list in 2022

According to a recent travel survey, one in five people say they are no longer waiting to check off a bucket list destination. Thanks to the COVID-19 outbreak and consequent lockdowns, travellers are taking the plunge and booking holidays they've been dreaming about right now.

Ticking off the travel bucket list is a huge trend post-pandemic. People have had plenty of time to research and dream big about their next adventures during the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns. As a result, more holidaymakers than ever before are booking big-ticket luxury escapes and unforgettable experiences.

Are you one of them? Well, this post is for you!

Join us as we share some of the top trips to tick off your travel bucket list in 2022.

Go on a South African Safari

We'll take a wild guess that an African Safari has a prime position on most people's travel bucket list. After all, who doesn't want to see the big five in their natural habitat?

But choosing the right African safari destination is key. Award-winning travel journalist Larry Olmsted told Forbes, "you can have amazing trips in Kenya, Tanzania and elsewhere…but if you are to go just one time, a combo of South Africa and Botswana is hard to beat."

Once you've chosen your destination, you'll need to decide whether you're booking a National Park Safari or a private reserve. National Park Safaris, like those offered at Kruger National Park, provide a wide range of packages to suit all budgets. Whereas private reserves tend to come with a luxury price tag to reflect the more personal experience you'll receive. Set a budget and see what you can get for it.

Whether you choose a National Park or Private Reserve, we recommend booking an experienced guide for your South African safari. A guide will make your safari experience more educating and enjoyable while ensuring you don't miss anything.

Don't forget to check out our South Africa hotel listings to secure your accommodation at a great price. Simply search for your chosen destination and dates, and we'll share the hotels and prices that best meet your requirements.

View the Northern Lights in Iceland

Not a fan of sizzling hot temperatures? Then perhaps the bucket-list destination of Iceland is a better fit, especially if you're keen to see the enchanting Northern Lights.

Iceland is the most popular destination for Northern Lights holidays, ideally located at a latitude of approximately 64° north. Book between mid-September to March to increase your chances of seeing the lights, and don't forget there are a whole host of other Icelandic attractions and activities to enjoy! From whale watching in Reykjavik to Skaftafell Ice Cave expeditions in Vatnajökull National Park, you're sure to have a holiday of a lifetime in Iceland.

Search for hotels in Iceland on PlansChange to book your bucket list holiday at the best price.

Trek to Everest Base Camp

Have you always dreamed of conquering Everest? Why wait? If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's to make the most of the precious time we have, so plan that once-in-a-lifetime adventure and have no regrets!

First conquered by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, Everest is the ultimate goal for mountaineers and hardcore trekkers alike. But if you’re satisfied with making it part of the way, various travel companies advertise Everest Base Camp treks as a bucket list experience. Located at 5,364m, reaching the base camp is an achievement in itself. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity to stand in the footsteps of the legends that have tramped the same ground before.

It pays to be fit, both mentally and physically. Everest Base Camp holidays aren't for the faint-hearted, so we'd highly recommend training before your trek.

Make the most of your bucket list adventure with a visit to Kathmandu. Explore the intricately carved temples, immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and meet the friendly locals who will make your experience all the more memorable.

Discover the Galapagos Islands

A mecca for wildlife lovers, the remote Galapagos Islands are home to over 9,000 species of flora and fauna. Follow in the footsteps of no other than Charles Darwin, and visit the islands that inspired his work, The Origin of Species.

Snorkel with sea life, be at one with the birds and meet species that only exist on the Galapagos Islands. Learn about the island's history, stroll the incredible beaches and enjoy some downtime at San Cristobal harbour. With an abundance of wildlife, it's like no other landscape in the world and certainly deserves a place on your travel bucket list.

Explore Scotland by train

So far, all of the bucket list destinations we’ve shared involve boarding a plane, but that's not to say you can't enjoy an experience of a lifetime right here in the UK. In fact, Scotland is up there as one of the top British bucket list destinations and has something for everyone to enjoy!

And while there are several ways to explore the country, we'd argue one of the best of all is a ride on The Royal Scotsman. No ordinary train ride, The Royal Scotsman boasts ten intricately designed mahogany-clad carriages, cosy country home comforts, gourmet dining and even a luxury spa to enjoy as you discover Scotland's spectacular scenery.

It's all about the pinch-me moments. Enjoy a host of unique excursions as your journey through the Highlands, including wild swimming in the Drumintoul Loch, outdoor dining on the shores of the Rothiemurchus Estate and stargazing in the Cairngorms. What's more, adrenaline seekers can participate in a whole host of exhilarating activities, including white water rafting and coasteering. We told you it wasn't your average train ride!

Book bucket list hotels with PlansChange

So, where will you venture to first? Which destination or experience tops your travel bucket list? Share your dreams and plans with us on social media, and don't forget to check out our resale deals for fantastic savings on hotels in your bucket list destinations.