Earth is a wondrous place. There are a few travel destinations and experiences in the world that should be on everyone’s bucket list. They’ll take your breath away, they’ll fill you with awe, they’ll open your eyes culturally and above all, they’re absolutely memorable. We’ve put a list together of the must-see places around the globe and to help you get there we’ll also show you how to save money on your flights, accommodation and experiences.
Machu Pichu, Peru
Built in the 15th Century the well-preserved site of Machu Pichu is the most famous Inca citadel in Peru, and the world. It is saddled between two Andean peaks and is surrounded by subtropical forest. Because of its location, you can only get there by train or you can hike to the site which takes four days and is 43km of trail. The best times to visit are November and April when there are fewer tourists and you’ll avoid the heaviest rains. Wotif has a great selection of flights and accommodation for your stay at Machu Pichu. Book through Cashrewards and earn up to 5.6% cashback.
Angkor Wat, Siam Reap, Cambodia
The site spans more than 200 hectares and was built as a tribute to the god Vishnu in the 12th Century. Used as the backdrop for films such as Tomb Raider, Angkor Wat is truly a spiritual wonder. Book flights, accommodation and tours with Wotif and earn up to 5.6% cashback.
Amazon Jungle, South America
The jungles of the Amazon span a few different countries in South America, so pick a starting point from the bigger countries and major tourist hubs that it encompasses in either Ecuador, Peru, Colombia or Brazil. To get a true glimpse of the unique culture the people of the Amazon have, you need to immerse yourself in it. Tribes like the peoples of the Oriente of Ecuador have opened their arms and welcome tourists to stay and experience life in the Amazon and its rich history. Intrepid Travel runs jungle tours with an option of packages, book with them and earn 4% cashback.
Festival of Colours, India
Experience India’s most amazing celebration of colour. The 2-day Hindu festival of Holi celebrates good over evil, participants and everyone in the vicinity of the festival are sprayed with coloured powder and water to celebrate goods triumph over evil. The festival dates change yearly so make sure to check before you book your travel. To get to India, book flights and accommodation through Lastminute.com.au and earn up to 5.6% cashback.
Antarctica
Despite the freezing conditions, people flock to Antarctica from all over the world to see the awe-inspiring icy landscape and its extraordinary wildlife. Expedia can get you there with some great packages available, and you can also earn up to 5.5% cashback. Plus while you’re getting there why not extend your stopover in South America if you’re travelling via that route.
The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Experience this amazing gorge that has been carved over 2 billion years by the Colorado River. View it from the top or if you’re feeling more adventurous, see it from water level on a ferry or raft the canyon. Getting there is easy with Virgin Australia flying to the USA daily. For a range of canyon experiences check out the options available through Viator. Book travel and canyon experiences and earn cashback when you book through Cashrewards.
Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy
The Sistine Chapel is a small room that’s part of the Vatican Museum and connects the museum to St Peters Basilica. This small room, however, houses Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces including the Creation of Adam. TIP: the chapel gets very crowded during the day so to truly appreciate the experience book a private tour that takes you to the Chapel after hours, you can book these through Viator and earn cashback. Book your flights to Rome with Emirates, Etihad and many more carriers and also earn cashback via Cashrewards.
Santorini, Greece
The sunset in Santorini has to be one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The best views are in Oia or from Fira along the cliff. Watch the majesty of the universe as the sun goes down over the Caldera. A truly spectacular experience. Fly Emirates to Athens and then hop on a plane to Santorini with tickets available from Skiddoo. Book your flights with Emirates and Skiddoo and earn cashback.
Petra, Jordan
You may know the setting from movies such as Raiders of The Lost Ark. Hidden in the southern part of Jordan, Petra is a place of wonder. Visit the UNESCO world heritage site and be transported back in time. Travel to Jordan flying Qatar and book your tour of Petra with Viator and earn cashback!
Northern Lights, Finland
See the Aurora Borealis from a glass igloo in Finland. Spectacular is an understatement! The best time to see the Northern lights is from October to November and February to March. Expedia has a selection of carriers that can get you there and you can book your Igloo stay through Booking.com. We recommend staying at the Lapland Igloo (pictured above) for your Northern Lights experience. Plus, book everything through Cashrewards and earn cashback.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
New Zealand’s crown jewel, Milford Sound, offers truly breath-taking scenery. Situated on the South Island it’s a 4-day trek or 53.5 km from Lake Te Anau that takes you through the Fiordland National Park. Take in lakes, forest and waterfalls as well as the fresh air as you make your way to Milford Sound. There are lodges to stay at as camping is prohibited. If a four-day hike isn’t your thing then you can do a full day hiking tour and cruise. Book the tour with Viator and earn cashback. Also, earn cashback by booking flights with Virgin Australia to get you to New Zealand.
Tanzania, East Africa
Safari in Tanzania and experience the Serengeti home to the world’s most beautiful animals including zebras, giraffes, lions and elephants. Not only do you have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, you can also climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Escape to Africa with Expedia and let them take care of your flights and accommodation, plus book Safari tour packages with Viator and earn cashback.
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Nature is a wonderful thing, this is no exception when it comes to Banff. To get there you’ll need to fly to Calgary, then it’s a short 120 km drive to Banff. The national park spans more than 6500 square kilometres and is home to the world’s most stunning scenery. Take in the scenery by trekking to the Canadian Rocky Mountain range and icefields or get active at the ski resorts and do some extreme sports, this natural wonder has it all! Fly Virgin Australia to Calgary, then hire a car from Hertz, Holiday Cars and many more car hire retailers available through Cashrewards and earn cashback. For a great range of activities and experiences to suit everyone’s taste book with Viator and also earn some cashback along the way.
Mount Everest, Nepal
Spend a few days at base camp and take in the sights of the world’s tallest mountain. This is a 14-day round trek into the Sagarmatha National Park where you’ll get to the foot of the mountain and then descend back to Gorak Shep to sleep unless you are lucky enough to get a limited spot with a special tour to sleep at base camp. You don’t need to be an experienced climber for this, but you do need to be pretty fit. Intrepid Travel has some amazing packages that can get you to base camp and you’ll also earn 4% cashback. Flights and other accommodation can be arranged with Expedia and you’ll also earn cashback.
There’s a beautiful world out there to explore, start ticking those travel destinations off your bucket list, get packing and experience all the wonder for yourself!