10 Trips to Add to Your Travel Vision Board

Why wax nostalgic about travels gone by when the option exists to look ahead to future trips? There’s no need to wait until the start of a new year to plan dreamworthy vacations — we’ve gathered 10 bucket list trips to add to your travel vision board right this minute.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Sail Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast by Yacht

“Game of Thrones” put the beauty of Croatia in the spotlight, and now the country — which is made up of more than 1,000 islands — has earned a spot on many bucket lists.

Take a day trip to island hop the coast in a privately chartered yacht, taking in the beauty of the rugged limestone Dalmatian coastline and terra cotta rooftops from the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Stay in an Overwater Bungalow in the Maldives

Chances are, if you’ve ever pictured sleeping in an overwater bungalow hovering above brilliant blue seas, you were imagining yourself in the Maldives.

The nation of islands dotted along the Indian Ocean is home to calm turquoise waters where resorts like the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and W Maldives all offer overwater villas with plunge pools, some of the best snorkeling in the world, and the opportunity to wake up to the sound of ocean waves every morning.

Visit China’s Historic Wonders in Beijing

Beijing’s heritage dates back more than 3,000 years, and the city is filled with wonders and sites to explore. To make your trip truly unforgettable, focus on the crown jewels of Chinese heritage, such as the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Both the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while Tiananmen Square is one of the 10 largest city squares in the world.

Scope Out the Serengeti on Safari in Tanzania

This once-in-a-lifetime safari journey requires pitch-perfect timing and planning in order to catch nature at its fullest.

If you want an unfiltered look at the circle of life, visit the Northern Serengeti during August and October to witness the breathtaking Great Migration of 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, antelopes and other herd animals as they make their way through rivers teeming with crocodiles and across swaths of the desert where Serengeti lions await. The chance for excitement and adventure is unmatched.

Ride a Camel to the Giza Pyramids in Cairo

Sure, it might be a bit like “doing it for the ‘Gram,” but a snapshot on camelback near the Giza Pyramids is a must-do on a trip to Cairo. Beyond being a great photo op, riding a camel through the desert to the iconic pyramids is a great way to avoid the tourist crowds that can gather near the base of the pyramids.

If convenience is a priority, Marriott Mena House, Cairo is walkable to the pyramids.

Watch Sunrise at the Grand Canyon

Sunrise anywhere is arguably the most magical time of the day (unless you’re really not a morning person), but watching the sunrise at the Grand Canyon is an absolute showstopper.

The north and south rims are great spots to watch the sun creep up and illuminate the canyon walls, transforming both the sky and canyon from shades of blue to pink, yellow and deep golden orange.

Explore African American History in Washington, D.C.

One could spend at least a week immersing oneself in African American heritage in what’s locally known as Chocolate City, but if you’re short on time, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial are must visits.

Carter G. Woodson Memorial Park, Cedar Hill and Malcom X Park are lesser known but equally important sites to African American culture in D.C.

Discover Machu Picchu via Cusco

While pictures of Machu Picchu actually give a fair representation of the wonder and mystery of these hilltop Inca ruins, there’s nothing quite like seeing it for yourself.

Hop a scenic 3.5-hour train ride from Cusco to the site; then invest in a tour company for a guided hike on the Inca Trail for a deeper understanding of Andean traditions, as well as Peruvian and Incan culture.

Dive the Great Blue Hole in Belize

For many experienced divers, the giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize is a vision board item simply because of the secrets that await deep in its darkness.

The site is known for great underwater visibility, and divers can swim through cave formations and spot diverse marine wildlife rarely seen elsewhere.

Catch the Northern Lights in Norway

Viewing the ethereal display of the bright green, yellow and red northern lights across the Norwegian night sky is an experience unmatched by anything else on the planet. Make your way to the northernmost towns in Norway where the otherworldly sight is the most colorful and intense.