The World's Best Once-In-A-Lifetime Travel Journeys, Ranked By Top Travel Professionals
The world seems to be getting bigger – the age of the Internet and fewer travel restrictions has turned many new sites into hot spots. Some are beloved for good reason, and no matter how crowded they are visiting is wroth all obstacles. Besides, you can always find go in the shoulder season. The best once-in-a-lifetime travel journeys campaign was chosen by 515 of the industry's top professionals. This is the world's most up to date and definitive list, which was created by a collaboration between Flight Network and 500+ of the world's top travel journalists, agencies, bloggers, and editors.
50. Sail Through the Raja Ampat Archipelago, Indonesia
Spend 10 days sailing Indonesia in one of the most noteworthy ecological niches on the planet: Raja Ampat archipelago. A region characterized by rugged and steep karst limestone coastlines covered with virgin rainforest extending right down to the water's edge." – AdventureSmith Explorations
49. Motorcycling Madagascar Coast to Coast
"You'll see a variety of landscapes, flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. You'll also be one of the few people ever to have ridden this remote part of the world, end to end." – Tyson Jopson, Freelance Travel Writer
48. Follow the Wildebeest Migration, Tanzania
"Since time began, the wild creatures of the vast Serengeti Plains meet, mingle and march together. When the rains cease and the landscape withers, millions of herbivores begin the slow procession northward, toward the promise of water and sweet new grasses. With their own promise of a moveable feast, the carnivores tag along, darting through the shadows in search of the too old, too young or too slow. This is the great migration – the Greatest Show on Earth." – Dave Herbert, Great Safaris
47. Ride the Death Road of Bolivia
"A heaven for adrenaline junkies, this extreme route allows intrepid cyclists to push their limits and gain lifelong bragging rights." – Mitch and Thuymi, AdventureFaktory
46. Drive the Sea to Sky Highway. B.C., Canada
"Jaw-dropping views await you around every windy mountain-hugging corner along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Leave Vancouver behind for intense adventures year-round." – Tazim Damji, Celebrate Life's Adventures
45. Hike the Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
"Claim the opportunity to rise above it all, and tap into the true spirit of adventure, by placing one foot in front of the other as you head for the top of Africa's highest mountain peak." – Alyssa Ramos, My Life's a Travel Movie
44. Hike the Jordan Trail, Jordan
"400 square miles of stunning desert history. Visit the 2,300-year-old "lost city" in Jordan and follow in the footsteps of Indian Jones. Journey through the Siq, a canyon that leads to the stunning monuments." – Kimberly Fisher, Jetsetera
43. Hike the Francigena Way, Italy
"From Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy, the 1900km "Francigena Way" dates back to the 11th century. As you walk you'll pass countless vineyards, orchards and castles each day you will be rewarded with stunning views and a real sense of achievement. En route stay in atmospheric farm houses and small family run hotels, soaking up the fine hospitality that has characterized the route for centuries. " – Sue Finn, UTracks, the active Europe specialist
42. Hike the Blue Mountains, Australia
"Walk through one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes found anywhere in the world Explore waterfalls, canyons, subtropical forest and views that make this place so renowned, whilst staying in luxury accommodation perched at the very edge of it all." – Brett Neagle, Auswalk
41. Trip on the Shinkansen Bullet Train, Japan
"Riding on the fastest bullet train in the world, this journey takes just two hours and 40 minutes but transports you to another world. From the bright lights big city of Tokyo to the traditional temples and tea houses of olde worlde Kyoto." – Zoe Chamberlain, Birmingham Live
40. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
"Savor the intense beauty of Ireland's coast while driving along the wonderous Wild Atlantic Way. " – Leslie Williams, Irish Examiner
39. Cruise the Mekong River
"The Mekong Delta is one of the world's last unspoiled regions where small villages can only be reached by boat." – Elizabeth Avery, Solo Trekker 4 U
38. The Road to Hana Drive, Hawaii
"The Road to Hana provides excitement and adventure also allowing for times to relax while taking in some of the world's most breathtaking views. It's family-friendly, but also allows for challenging hikes along with way. Plus, so many waterfalls!" – Lynn Walsh, Emmy award-winning journalist
37. Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, France
"It combines satisfying, strenuous hiking with charming four-star hotels and excellent food and wine." – Ann Abel, Freelance Journalist, Forbes
36. Motorcycling from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi, Vietnam
"Incredible terrain and scenery that changes with each new day, encounters with locals who are far friendlier than they may at first seem, and the thrill from the element of danger involved." – Nick Hedley, Business Day & Financial Mail
35. A World Cruise
"An extended 128-day voyage visiting 21 countries on seven continents to explore some of the world's iconic cities and destinations, offers the rare mix of escape, self-discovery and wonderment as you wake up each day in an amazing new place just waiting for you to explore." – John Roberts, In The Loop Travel
34. Cruise the Caribbean
"Paradise beaches to last you two lifetimes." – David Light, Khaleej Times
33. Travel the Glacier Express, Switzerland
"From the Alps to verdant Coast Mountains it's a journey that you'll remember for a lifetime!" – Kaila Yu, Nylon Pink
32. Travel the Andean Explorer, Peru
"Waking up aboard the luxury train in the midst of a towering landscape with not a single person for miles is nothing short of surreal." – Sean Flynn, Freelance Writer, Travel + Leisure
31. Cruising Greenland
"Greenland embodies the true adventurer's spirit. A place that resonates with wild beauty as you hike through the Valley of Flowers past towering waterfalls and kayak around dramatic glaciers just offshore of our secluded Base Camp." – Emily Goodheart Kautz, Natural Habitat Adventures
30. Canal Barge Cruising in Southern France
"Meandering through the waterways of Southern France allows travelers a unique and relaxing opportunity to take in the historic architecture, vibrant culture, and world-renowed cusine of this romantic land." – Jean Dabrowski, France Cruises
29. Travel the Canadian Rockies by Train
"Travel with luxury and see the Canadian Rockies and the stunning beautiful Lake Louise." – Stephanie White
28. Road trip in the Australian Outback
"Both the iconic sights and the hidden treasures of Australia's legendary Red Centre are revealed on this enthralling journey through never-ending red plains and sprawling cattle-stations. From world-renowned Uluru and Tjuta Anangu to a little-known site where an immense meteorite struck the Earth more than 5000 years ago, each day will provide genuine opportunities to experience the life, culture and traditions of the Outback." – Krizia Fiora, Inspiring Journey
27. Ride Camels through the Sahara
"Dazzling night skies, tales told by the glow of a campfire, and otherworldly camels carrying you across golden sands await those adventurous enough to say yes to an odyssey through the Sahara." – Johnny Ward, OneStep4Ward
26. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
"There are currently 10 habituated gorilla families open to tourist visits, so trekking permits are limited to a mere 80 per day. Being surrounded by mamas, babies, and massive Silverback gorillas is an experience you'll never forget." – Bret Love, Green Global Travel
25. Explore Europe by Train
"See every hidden corner of the best Europe has to offer by travelling across its diverse collection of countries, stopping off in the most culturally rich, and stimulating cities along the way." – Dawn Garcia, ATOD Magazine
24. Cruise the Nile, Egypt
"Travelling the Nile you feel like you have entered the cradle of an ancient world." – Ilona Kauremszky, Travel Industry Today
23. Hiking and Kayaking in Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
"It is a mind-blowing run of twisted volcanic peaks, colossal glaciers, and azure blue lakes. Zig-zagging across the Cordillera del Paine like a giant W it is among the world's classic and most exciting trekking routes." – Frances Armitage, Chimu Adventures
22. Trek to Mount Everest Basecamp, Nepal
"Although arriving at Everest Base Camp is one of the best feelings in the world, getting there is the real experience. You'll pass by gorgeous scenery and you get the chance to stay in Sherpa villages, where you'll spend your nights eating homemade momos, and swapping stories with other trekkers around a potbelly stove and a hot cup of tea." – Kristy Alpert, Freelance Journalist, MSN & Fodors
21. Travel the Golden Triangle India
"India is the most intense, entertaining, colourful, bizarre, and unique place in the world. Each area is so different than the other and it's never short of interesting. You're not a traveller until you've been to India." – Kristen Sarah, Hopscotch the Globe
20. Hike Along Cinque Terre, Italy
"Visiting Cinque Terre is like stepping back in time to five ancient Italian fishing villages. Each has its own distinct vibe, but expect common themes of breathtaking Ligurian sea views, vineyards clinging to hilltops, and winding footpaths that connect all five towns. " – Megan L. Wood, Oyster.com
19. Drive the Great Ocean Road, Australia
"If there is only one drive you want to do in Australia, it's the Great Ocean Road. Winding roads along the coast of Australia with local wildlife like kangaroos, echidnas, kookaburras, and koalas." – Erin Bender, Explore With Erin
18. Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa
"Explore the greater Kruger area during seven thrilling days in South Africa and witness the circle of life in action in one of the planet's wildest places." – Timothy Chan, G Adventures
17. French Polynesia Cruise
"French Polynesia's multi-hued blue lagoons, starry skies and floral scented breezes make the islands of Tahiti a true bucket list destination" – Michele Peterson, A Taste For Travel
16. Drive the Amalfi Coast, Italy
"It is perhaps the most beautiful 30-mile drive on the planet, with cliffs plunging to the sea, lemon groves high above, and historic Italian villages with great food and spectacular views." – Lea Lane, Forbes
15. Travel the Silk Road
"It's absolutely incredible to travel along this ancient trading route and see how it shaped thousands of years of civilizations." – Alexandra Talty, Forbes
14. Explore the Italian Countryside
"The incredible natural beauty, iconic artistic treasures and gloriously rich culture of Italy has charmed and inspired travelers for centuries. Italy awaits, ready to mesmerize your soul." – Elena Bernardi, Cultural Italy
13. Amazon River Cruise
"You will find a primordial eco-system of consummate beauty and overwhelming scope in a rainforest that defines the word pristine." – Mark Orwoll, Freelance Travel Writer for Conde Nast & Travel + Leisure.
12. Fjord Cruise in Norway
"This fantastic journey allows exploring the unique and pristine beauty of Norway's remote fjords and stunning mountains." – Ausra, Nordic Saga Tours
11. Road Trip on Route 66, U.S.
"Immortalized in song and books, this is an iconic road trip that takes you through both small towns and big cities in the American heartland." – Shobha George, Just Go Places
10. Drive the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia
"Road tripping down the Dalmatian Coast is to experience beauty in its most natural form. The breathtakingly clear turquoise water, red sunsets, medieval castles, and the jaw-dropping massifs of the Dinaric Alps, will make you feel like you're in a fairy tale, and the adventure is yours to make as you go." – Liz Biscevic, Make Change
9. Sail the Greek Islands
"When you set sail, you'd be forgiven for thinking you had died and gone to heaven" – Kelly Taylor, Winnipeg Free Press
8. Camino de Santiago, Spain
"Buen camino! Is the official greeting and farewell of all the pilgrims that undertake the Way" – Inma Gregorio, A World to Travel
7. Cruise to Alaska
"There are many ways to explore the grandeur of Alaska's magnificent natural beauty, but doing so from a boutique small adventure cruise ship is an intimate and mystical bucket list experience." – Joanne DiBona, USA Today
6. Drive Iceland’s Ring Road
"When you hit the road, you enter an unforgettable tapestry of mysterious waters, misty farmlands, and massive baby blue glaciers." – Shea Powell, The World Up Closer
5. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
"One of the World's most iconic coasts and perfect weather." – Hallie Crawford, U.S. News & World Report
4. Trek to Machu Picchu
"The journey is the destination. An amazing adventure through Inca History." – Raul Ccolque, Alpaca Expeditions
3. Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway
"To take this incredible 9,289km journey on a modern train is the fantastic way to bring history into the present." – Emma Yardley, Freelance Travel Writer, Toronto Star
2. Cruise the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
"The Galapagos Islands open the gateways between people and wildlife, bringing us together in a way that is unlike anything else you'll ever experience." – Liz Fleming, Editor-in-Chief, Cruise & Travel Lifestyles Magazine
1. Expedition to Antarctica
The fact that seemingly infinite otherworldliness actually exists on this planet is mind-blowing." – Abbie Kozolchyk, National Geographic