Bucket List: 26 Travel Bucket List Ideas for 2026

Happy New Year! It’s 2026 and I wanted to share some travel inspiration for you to use in this new year and add to your travel bucket list!

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be an exorbitantly lofty goal that you give up on right away. This year, let’s reimagine our travel bucket list and add some of these places, cooking classes and activities to set some new travel inspiration for the year!

This post is full of travel inspiration to add to your travel bucket list!

Travel Bucket List (Places to Visit)

Travel bucket list section one! Where should we go? There are so many places to see in this great, big, beautiful world. Having some directly and personal suggestions can make your travel bucket list start to take shape!

Here are 10 places that I truly love, have spent actual time in, and highly recommend visiting!

1. lofoten islands, norway

The Lofoten Islands in Norway are almost too beautiful to believe that they’re real. They’re ocated far enough north to see the Northern Lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. After visiting for the first time I immediately brought my family back within the year to experience the charm, beauty and serenity of this place.

Click here to read about my guide to Lofoten!

2. Chiang mai, thailand

Affordable, beautiful and a foodie heaven. I truly fell in love with Chiang Mai while there – it’s hard not to. Spicy and savory chicken Khao Soi, refreshing and sweet thai iced tea, friendly people, outdoor markets and elephants. There is a ton to see, explore and eat in Chiang Mai.

Read here about how a foodie should spend 24 hours in Chiang Mai!

3. slovenia

Slovenia is jam-packed with natural beauty and is often overlooked by tourists. The city of Ljubljana is located along the Ljubljanica river which gives the city a romantic and charming feel. Outside of the city is the famous Lake Bled and even more gorgeous natural wonders like Lake Bohinj and the Vintgar Gorge.

To read my guide to Slovenia click here!

4. Tallinn, estonia

Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. The city is incredibly unique and charming and unlike anywhere else in the world. The colors, the cobble stone streets, the domed church designs, and the old city make you feel like you’re living in a Medieval storybook. One of my favorite bakeries in the world is located in Tallinn as well!

To read my guide to the best bites in Tallinn click here!

5. Luang prabang, laos

Southeast Asia is such a special place filled with kind people, incredible food, lush nature, intricately designed temples and adorable animals. Luang Prabang is almost like a hidden gem in Southeast Asia because it gets overshadowed by the more popular cities in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. The Mekong river, Kuang Si waterfalls, night markets, gorgeous temples and unique cuisine all make Luang Prabang a must-visit city.

6. granada, spain

Though I may be biased because this is the city that I studied abroad in, I believe that Granada is one of the most underrated cities in Spain.

Home to incredible free tapas, the breathtaking moorish palace called the Alhambra, the gorgeous miradors or lookout points, the orange trees, refreshing tinto de veranos, relaxing hammams, fiery flamenco and siesta culture, Granada is truly something special.

Click here to read my recommendations for Granada, Spain!

7. croatia

Croatia is a beautiful country and after two different visits I can’t pick just one city to recommend because everywhere I’ve been has been wonderful. The walled city of Dubrovnik, the picturesque island of Hvar, the gorgeous green water and waterfalls in Krka, the charming city of Split and the bohemian capital city of Zagreb are just some of the places that I love in Croatia.

Click here to read my guide to Croatia!

8. Copenhagen, denmark

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is full of nordic charm. The food scene, especially the pastries, is phenomenal and you may even find yourself exclaiming “I could live here”. There’s something addicting about. the breeze off the Baltic sea, the colorful canals, the historic feel and the focus on the environment and sustainability.

9. quepos, costa rica (Manuel Antonio Area)

The ‘pura vida’ lifestyle in Costa Rica is an easy one to get behind. The laidback lifestyle is full of fresh fruit, sleepy sloths, surf towns, happy people and dense rainforests and delicious chocolate. One of my favorite areas in Costa Rica is near the Manuel Antonio National Park in a town called Quepos. Rent a boat for the day to get out on the water, visit the national park to see sloths, monkeys, macaws and more, and if you’re lucky experience releasing baby turtles into the ocean.

10. ICELAND

Iceland, or the land of fire and ice, is one of the most unique countries in the world. There isn’t a tree in sight, the geothermal activity means plenty of relaxing lagoons. Home to glacier lakes, lupine fields, mountains, waterfalls, puffins, rye bread, black sand beaches, ice caves and so much more.

Click here to read my guide to Iceland!

Travel Bucket List (International Cooking Classes)

Travel bucket list section two! What amazing cooking class should we try? The best way to get to know a new region of the world, city, country or culture is through their food. Food is a special way to connect with people, history and the land you’re visiting in such a unique and special way.

Here are six cooking classes that I’ve taken around the world and highly recommend you add to your travel bucket list!

1. take a chocolate making class in costa rica

Just outside of La Fortuna, Costa Rica is Two Little Monkeys Chocolate Tour. A perfect activity while on honeymoon, with your family or while on a solo trip.

Tour their organic farm with tons of fun produce like vanilla bean pods, sugar cane, pineapples, peppercorns, allspice, bananas and of course cacao.

This craft chocolate class allows you to learn all about this history of chocolate and how it’s made from cacao pod to bar of chocolate. You’ll be filled to the brim with delicious chocolate and have the ability to take some home with you too!

Book your class on their website here!

2. Learn how to grill like an asador in buenos aires, argentina

The food scene in Buenos Aires is outrageously delicious. While traveling we decided to sign up for a grilling class and it was one of the highlights of our entire trip. The Argentine Experience (formerly known as Criolla Cooking) pays attention to even the smallest detail to make your class perfect for you.

Learn how to prepare a cocktail, various cuts of meat, sauces, side dishes and dessert. Additionally, if you have any dietary restrictions they are super accommodating!

Book your class here!

3. sip matcha in a traditional matcha tea ceremony in kyoto, japan

Japanese matcha is becoming so trendy internationally that Japan is having difficulty producing enough to meet demand. Matcha hasn’t always been consumed in latte form, as a flavor for ice cream or in pastries. Matcha is a high, ceremonial-grade level of green tea traditionally consumed in ceremonies in Japan.

While in Kyoto or Tokyo, I highly recommend signing up for this class and learning more about this sacred experience. You get to change into a kimono, learn different types of respectful bows, and how to prepare and consume matcha.

Book this class on their website here!

4. bake danish pastries in copenhagen, denmark

If you have a sweet tooth, love warm baked goods or wish you could bake like pro then look no further. Baking can be daunting because of exact measurements, yeast blooming, proofing dough, laminating and more. The CPH Baking class in Copenhagen is so thorough, hands-on and comprehensive helping to negate any worries you may have.

This course in Copenhagen was truly life-changing for my kitchen repertoire. I channeled my inner Marcus, from “FX’s The Bear”, and learned all that Copenhagen was willing to offer about laminated dough pastries.

Book this incredible class on their website here!

5. indulge in flavorful thai food in chiang mai, thailand

Learn how to make your favorite thai dishes while in Chiang Mai with Mam at her cooking school. Mam will take you on a tour of a market to buy ingredients, teach you any six dishes you’d like to learn how to make and send you recipes to help you make the dishes back at home.

The dishes that I chose to learn were:

Red Curry Paste
Khao Soi Curry
Tom Kha Khai Soup
Spring Rolls
Pad Thai
Mango Sticky Rice

Book this Cooking Class at We Cook Thai Cooking School here!

6. indulge in italian pasta in the tuscany region of italy

Italian food is arguably one of the most popular cuisines around the world. This pasta making class, located in the heart of Tuscany, is one of the most dreamy experiences.

Go on a tour of their farm, their dairy and their restaurant. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing this class two times and both times I left filled with happiness, love, appreciation and delicious food.

Book this pasta class on their website here!

Travel Bucket List (Travel Activities)

Travel bucket list section three! What incredible and unique activities should we try? Trying new things, getting outside of your comfort zone, leaving the hotel and learning something new are all ways to immerse yourself in travel.

Here are 10 activities that I have personally experienced and loved around the world and hope that you will add to your travel bucket list!

1. get scuba certified in the gili islands, indonesia

One of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I highly recommend getting scuba certified to find a new and unique way to connect with the world and with nature. The Gili Islands in Indonesia are absolutely gorgeous and such a special place to dive at.

There were plenty of fish, colorful coral, nudibrachs, and sea turtles. We did our certification on Gili Meno with Blue Marlin Dive and our experience was phenomenal. They were professional, fun, inspiring and ultimately left us eager to dive again.

Click here to read more about our experience learning to dive in the Gili Islands!

Book your certification with Blue Marlin dive here on their website!

2. Relax in the kuang si waterfall in luang prabang, laos

The Kuang Si Waterfalls are located about an hour drive outside of Luang Prabang. The city of Luang Prabang averages around 80-90 degrees and these gorgeous waterfalls are around 65 degrees making it a fabulous way to cool down.

Yes, that means that you can take a refreshing dip in these falls which are made up with multiple pools. Please remember to bring a swimsuit so that you can swim – you’ll want to!

To read about all you need to know about Kuang Si click here!

3. HIKE TO A REMOTE TINY HOME VILLAGE IN NORWAY

Truly such a unique and cool experience! The Norwegian Trekking Association built these modern and minimalistic cabins for the public. They’re based on an honor-system and can be reserved in advance online. The hike to the cabins is intermediate. Bring some snacks and games to play and enjoy!

Book the cabins here!

4. Go on safari in amboseli national park in kenya

Amboseli National Park is located in southwestern Kenya almost on the border of Tanzania. The elephants here have larger tusks than anywhere in the world. There are tons of vervet monkeys, zebras, giraffe, hippos and more.

5. Explore the batu caves in KuaLa Lumpur, malaysia

The Batu Caves are such a unique and beautiful place to explore while in Kuala Lumpur. The caves are free to visit, but be prepared to climb the 272 stairs to get to the top to enter the cave. The Batu Caves are one of the most popular Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan – the 140 foot golden statue.

6. Learn to sail in malta

Have a learning adventure while traveling! I got certified as Competent Crew by the Royal Yachting Association after a week-long sailing course located in Valletta, Malta.

It is such a fun experience to learn a new hobby alongside other travelers. I truly recommend this experience to couples, families, and solo travelers as it is such a fun experience in fabulous location.

Book your adventure on their website here!

7. make silver jewelry in bali, indonesia

In Bali there are many places to buy silver, but I had no idea how much of a history there is with silver in Indonesia. I took a silver jewelry making class and it was absolutely amazing. The professional silver masters are incredibly helpful and after an hour or two you’ll leave with your own handmade creation. I wear my jade ring all the time and think fondly about my memories in Bali.

Book this class directly on their website here!

8. Relax in the various lovely iceland lagoons

If you’re traveling to Iceland chances are you’ve heard about the Blue Lagoon. However, due to the geothermal activity in this country there are many lagoons that are equally as special and relaxing. Three lagoons in particular stood out to me during my time in Iceland.

9. SWIM IN THE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS AT THE BEACHES IN MONTENEGRO

Montenegro is growing in popularity among tourists, but is still relatively unspoiled. Located across the Adriatic Sea from the eastern coast of Italy is a small country with some of the most gorgeous beaches. Some beaches are rocky (like many are in the Mediterranean) but some are also sandy.

10. see the gorgeous waterfalls at krka national park in croatia

If you’re traveling near Split, Croatia it’s absolutely worth it to visit Krka National Park as a day-trip.

We booked tickets for very cheap and spent the day touring around the area, walking with a guide or self-guided through the park, enjoying the beauty of the area and swimming at a local beach.

Book the excursion here directly!

Welcome to Exploren Lauren!

Bucket List: 26 Items for Your 2026 Travel Bucket List