Travel Bucket List: 11 Destinations I’d Like To Visit

Travel Bucket List: 11 Destinations I’d Like To Visit

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I think it’s always fun to set some travel goals, or at least keep a list of the places that you’d like to visit sooner rather than later. Several months back, I shared some of the points hotels I’m hoping to eventually stay at, and in this post I wanted to share the destinations I’m most hoping to visit.

The travel destinations I most hope to visit

Before I share my list of top travel destinations that I’d like to visit, let me note a few things:

  • I’m not in any way suggesting that the below are necessarily the most interesting places I’ve never been to, but rather they’re just places that pique my interest for one reason or another, and a visit is on my mind
  • Most of the places on the list are countries I haven’t been to, but in some cases they’ll be regions or territories of countries I’ve already visited in some capacity
  • In most cases there’s also an airline or hotel angle here (after all, that’s my business), so there are interesting airlines to try and hotels to stay at
  • I’m trying to keep a list of places that’s realistic to visit in the near future based on my current life situation, so I’m leaving off some places that really interest me but will take a lot of effort, like Antarctica, North Korea, the Falkland Islands, Saint Helena, etc.

With that out of the way, below are some of the places that I’d most like to visit, in no particular order.

Kyrgyzstan

In recent years I’ve visited Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and had an incredible time. There’s something so fun about visiting a place where you don’t really come in with any specific expectations. Logically Kyrgyzstan is next on that list for me.

There’s even a Hyatt Regency in Bishkek. It’s just too bad that Turkish Airlines no longer operates a fifth freedom flight from Bishkek to Ulaanbaatar.

Namibia

Ford and I were supposed to visit Namibia in April 2020, though of course that got canceled due to the pandemic. I’m still hoping to make this trip sometime, as Namibia has so much to offer, from amazing safari experiences to beautiful coastline.

AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Greenland

Greenland has been on my travel bucket list for way too long, and my plan is for 2025 to finally be the year that I visit. There’s also an interesting aviation angle, from Air Greenland now flying an Airbus A330-800neo, to Air Greenland operating a flight to Iqaluit, to Nuuk getting a new airport, to United launching a Newark to Nuuk route.

I’ve only flown over Greenland until now

Faroe Islands

I love nature destinations, and I’ve heard great things about the Faroe Islands. This is pretty accessible from many points in Europe, and there’s now even a points hotel there (a Hilton Garden Inn). Maybe this can even be tied in with a trip to Greenland.

Arctic Canada

The Canadian Arctic is surprisingly accessible by air, and I imagine it has absolutely gorgeous scenery. I’d love to visit in summer, and do a bunch of interesting flights. Perhaps the perfect opportunity is also Air Greenland operating service between Iqaluit and Nuuk.

I’ve only flown over Arctic Canada

Peru

I realize I’m way behind the curve on this one, but I’ve never visited Peru (aside from connecting at the airport). I think it’s time to finally visit Lima, Machu Picchu, etc.

Bolivia

I recently had the chance to fly Boliviana de Aviacion, though didn’t have the chance to properly visit Bolivia. I’d love to fly into Uyuni Airport, which is one of the highest elevation commercial airports in the world, at over 12,000 feet above sea level. I’d also love to then visit the nearby salt flats, which are the biggest in the world.

Does anyone have any insights on the most approachable way to do this without being away from home for too long? I’m just trying to be realistic, because I know many people tie in Uyuni and Atacama, and that might be getting too long.

Albania

Of countries in Europe I haven’t been to, Albania is one of the two countries that interests me most. The country is surrounded by other countries that I love (Greece, Montenegro, and Italy just across the sea), and I’ve heard good things from those who visited. I’ve also found Albanians around the world to consistently be friendly. If anyone has tips for what’s a “must-see” beyond Tirana, I’d love to learn.

Georgia

No, I’m not talking about the state that’s home to the world’s most premium airline, but rather I’m talking about the country in Eastern Europe. 😉 I’m fascinated by Georgia, and in particular would love to visit Tbilisi. I’ve heard it’s a great place to visit, and in particular, that the food is excellent.

There’s also an airline and hotel angle, as I’d love to fly Georgian Airways’ mysterious Boeing 767, and stay at Paragraph Freedom Square, a Marriott Luxury Collection property in Tbilisi.

Georgian Airways has an intriguing 767

Guatemala

A few years ago Guatemala really got on my radar, simply because it’s easy to get to, beautiful (from what I’ve seen), has some great points hotels I could review, and flights there are typically cheap. I’m still hoping to do this as a weekend trip in the near future, as it’s an easy enough journey.

Greece (new islands)

Greece is one of my favorite countries in the world, and I’ve been there more times than I can count. The more often I visit Greece, the more I want to go back and visit new islands, whether it’s Corfu, Milos, or Antiparos. If there are any other islands that absolutely should be on my list, please let me know (and if there’s a points hotel angle, all the better!).

White Coast Pool Suites in Milos, Greece (an SLH hotel)

Bottom line

It’s always fun to keep a list of the places you most want to visit, and the above is a list of the places that are front-of-mind for me when planning travel. I’m probably forgetting quite a few places I’ve been wanting to check out, but I think this list should keep me pretty busy.

If anyone has tips or experiences with any of these destinations, I’d welcome them. And I’d also love to hear what destinations OMAAT readers have on their lists?

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  1. Vivek Doshi Guest

    Hi Ben. I just checked into the Hyatt Regency in Bishkek today. It’s a major dump. I have been upgraded to a Hyatt Regency Suite and it’s like an apartment but so outdated. I’ll send a video to you on Facebook messenger.

  2. beyounged Guest

    Honestly, just getting out and explore remote and less-visited places gets my blood pumping.
    Redeeming Aeroplan miles on those Arctic flights might be some of the highest CPM redemptions out there that can be made.

  3. JEffrey Guest

    Not to be pedantic but Georgia is in Asia. It may feel like an Esatern European spot but its truly and flatly in Asia.

  4. Anthony Guest

    Ben,
    There are 4 countries that have a highly spiritual interest.
    Guatemala, Tikal Temple of the Jaguar
    Bolivia - The Door
    Peru - Macchu Picchu
    Greece - Apollo
    Not sure about the others.
    But if you wish to experience something you don't know about, maybe look into these.
    Anthony

  5. Marina Guest

    Albania is fantastic and well worth a visit. We went recently and were so surprised with Tirana. There's not a ton of sightseeing to do, but the city has such a great vibe and a great food scene.

    We also went to Bovilla Lake and Kruja, but the coastline is also supposed to be amazing. They even have flamingos and dolphins at times.

  6. derek Guest

    Ben has worked too hard by going to so many places yet never leaving the airport. This should change. Even a brief stop is worthwhile.

    Also consider places, not countries. I, too, count countries but now I don't mind visiting a nice place even in a country that I've been to many times.

  7. Brad Guest

    Ben, I’m really surprised you aren’t on Nomadmania. I’d be curious to see your world travel map. It’s a really fun travel websites.

  8. PointsandMilesDoc Member

    Nice list!

    The Canadian Arctic is amazing! I flew Ottawa to Iqaluit to Pond Inlet for a polar bear and narwhal safari on the floe edge in June 2022. Lots of amazing wildlife to see, and connecting this with the new flights to Greenland would be a dream!

    Just one comment - I am avoiding the Faroe Islands for now. You can look up their "tradition" called the grind, which is getting lots of international...

    Nice list!

    The Canadian Arctic is amazing! I flew Ottawa to Iqaluit to Pond Inlet for a polar bear and narwhal safari on the floe edge in June 2022. Lots of amazing wildlife to see, and connecting this with the new flights to Greenland would be a dream!

    Just one comment - I am avoiding the Faroe Islands for now. You can look up their "tradition" called the grind, which is getting lots of international pressure as they are one of the only remaining countries allowed to round up and kill whales in mass. I know there are lots of reasons to avoid places that we all ignore - but if they want people to come for the nature and then kill off the nature, that's not good!

    1. Dr. McFrugal Guest

      omg that sounds awful. :(

  9. henare Diamond

    For me it would be South Pacific islands. Many of these places aren't really mass tourism destinations and, of course, they are all inconvenient from my northeastern US location.

    I thought Albania (from your list) was an interesting choice. My recollection from the cold war era is of their isolationist stance toward the rest. of. the world (not too unlike North Korea), which makes it seem potentially interesting now.

  10. Eric Guest

    I lived in Kyrgyzstan for three years and if you want a little adventure I'd have a lot of recs but the fun stuff to do there isn't stuff I see you typically do (although there are ski resorts you could watch Ford ski at!). If you are unlucky enough to land at Bishkek while multiple international planes land id like to hear your take on one of the worst customs experiences you'll ever experience.

  11. Jack Guest

    Waiting for the review of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions flights to blue-ice runways in Antarctica....

    Barring that, perhaps a review of Airlink's flight to St. Helena in the South Atlantic. I thought St. Helena was spectacular.

  12. gtellez Guest

    I have been living in Peru a bit more than a year now and I strongly recommend it!
    Few recommendations:
    -spend at least 2-3 days in Lima, you have several points hotels. Due to location I’d recommend the JW Marriott. The main reason to stay in Lima is food! You have amazing restaurant that are really affordable. Central (last year best restaurant in 50 best of the world) is amazing but pricey (350...

    I have been living in Peru a bit more than a year now and I strongly recommend it!
    Few recommendations:
    -spend at least 2-3 days in Lima, you have several points hotels. Due to location I’d recommend the JW Marriott. The main reason to stay in Lima is food! You have amazing restaurant that are really affordable. Central (last year best restaurant in 50 best of the world) is amazing but pricey (350 usd) but in the same premises you have Kjolle, that is managed by the same couple and it is 5 times cheaper and as good as Central
    -you can visit Paracas (there is a nice luxury collection, quite cheap, like 250 usd per night) and from there fly over nazca lines. There are quite a few things to do over there
    -Tambo del Inka (another luxury collection) is a really good hotel not far from Machu Picchu
    -I loved Puerto Maldonado, in the Amazon rainforest, although there aren’t luxury hotels there

  13. Marcus Guest

    Yeah second comment. I think Uzbekistan merits a return more than a trip to Bishkek. Have you been to Samarkand, Bukhara, Nukus, Urgench, Kanya Urgench? These are can’t miss places! Besides the bread and Plov is amazing food!

  14. Gerald Kelly Guest

    My husband and I were in Tbilisi last year and found it to be homophobic and a little too closely associated with Russian hate groups. It was so bad that the Pride celebration was canceled due to violence - it was a coincidence we were there at the same time. Also, the conditions for the street dogs and cats are horrible - most of them were eating out of the trash cans.

    1. Brian Guest

      I’m sorry to hear that. Unfortunately 64 countries in the world it is actually illegal to be LGBT, sanctioned by the state. I wouldn’t let that stop you from living your life though. As with any country, try to blend in and keep a low profile. You mention hate groups in Georgia/Russia, the Middle East and Subsaharan say “Hold my beer.” Lastly, most third world countries have stray dogs. It’s actually extremely common. If you...

      I’m sorry to hear that. Unfortunately 64 countries in the world it is actually illegal to be LGBT, sanctioned by the state. I wouldn’t let that stop you from living your life though. As with any country, try to blend in and keep a low profile. You mention hate groups in Georgia/Russia, the Middle East and Subsaharan say “Hold my beer.” Lastly, most third world countries have stray dogs. It’s actually extremely common. If you let poverty stop you from traveling to a country then that 64 ban list will rise to about 130 because unfortunately most countries outside of the West can be sketchy.

  15. Cdsfrog Guest

    we did Antigua Guatemala earlier this year and it was absolutely absolutely fabulous. Cobblestone roads, wonderful food wonderful coffee highly recommend.

  16. Rachel Guest

    Highly suggest the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania. It's breathtaking!

  17. Marcus Guest

    Georgia is absolutely fantastic. Especially the wine regions which are out of Tbilisi. The food is amazing too!

    In Kryzgestan there is not much to see or do. The only interesting thing I found was a decent Indian restaurant next to the Hyatt in Bishkek and there is a floor (I think the seventh) in the nearby shopping tower which seems some souvenirs. Nothing like Uzbekistan!

    1. VladG Diamond

      Kyrgyzstan has some of the most amazing mountain scenery in the world. Saying that there's nothing to see there is insane.

  18. Jamie Guest

    Albania was a bucket list spot for me. I went last year and...it was really under-whelming. Not even bad. Just meh. The only thing worth experience is immigration on arrival. It is the fastest/smoothest border crossing experience I've ever had.

  19. globetrotter Guest

    If you want to visit Mongolia, contact Blue Wolf Tour.
    Towards the end of this decade, you should add Iran and Myanmar to your bucket list.

    1. Jesse13927 Member

      @Ben
      I love this list of places you haven't visited yet, but now I really want to see a list of the top 10 places that you have visited. I'd love to see that in a future article.

  20. Mike1977 Guest

    You comment about Delta... lol

  21. Timo Diamond

    I visited Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu two years ago. Very beautiful. But not one person warned us about the sand flies at Machu Picchu. Do NOT wear shorts, do wear long sleeves and do drench yourself in mosquito repellent. They create welts that itch for weeks and you think you will never recover but you do only after a painful month.

    1. Brad Guest

      What month did you visit? Ive learned that many times insects can be seasonal (ie the notorious black flies in Maine in June). I’m asking so I can avoid the month you went. Thanks for the heads up!

  22. Kelley P Diamond

    Hi Ben, please don't visit Faroe Islands. In fact, boycott them. Just google dolphin or whale hunt Faroe Islands. It's horrific.

  23. KP Guest

    Hi Ben, please don't visit the Faroe Islands. They have a hunt that is absolutely horrific, killing dolphins and whales. Beating them to death, it's completely inhumane. https://www.seashepherdglobal.org/latest-news/slaughter-dolphins-faroes/

  24. pstm91 Diamond

    See if Ford can get you an advisor rate for Belmond's Andean Explorer. It gets you to Machu Picchu at like 4am and you have sunrise there all to yourself.

  25. Delfts Blauw Guest

    Georgia is great, really enjoyed the Paragraph hotel in Tbilisi this summer and would definitely go back! Combine it with a trip to Azerbaijan and/or Armenia and see the entire region. The Four Seasons in Baku was also spectacular

  26. SlothBoy Guest

    If you want to visit Peru and Bolivia, there’s a highly rated bus company called Peru Hop that has very flexible tour packages that can include both Peru and Bolivia. There was a good NY Times article about it a few weeks back.

  27. Dan Guest

    Check out Chachapoyas in Peru. We flew non stop from Lima on a Fokker 50.

  28. Exit Row Seat Guest

    If you got to Iceland, I suggest you do it soon!!
    Felt like more tourist than locals on my most recent visit.

    1. Pete Guest

      We went in March. It was much more pleasant than dealing with summer crowds, and the aurora was fantastic.

  29. Daniel A Guest

    Hi Ben, thanks for sharing. I was hoping for more on the points angle to each destination (disappointedly you only included a few minor notes on this). I'm always trying to have my travel dreams and use of my points fit together, which is sometimes challenging. It would be great to hear more from you on that front, as a points expert.

  30. Blake-Pickering Member

    Also, Albanian stories would be loved. I think getting advice from Albanian immigrants or locals would help you to pinpoint top spots to visit.

  31. Che Guest

    Bolivia - Uyuni is a very short flight from La Paz, and can be done as an overnight trip. However as someone else mentioned, it would be an interesting culture experience to fly one way and then bus the other way. The bus is overnight, but with lie-flat seat so not too uncomfortable. The salt flat is definitely worth it, you just need to first figure out whether you want to visit during the dry...

    Bolivia - Uyuni is a very short flight from La Paz, and can be done as an overnight trip. However as someone else mentioned, it would be an interesting culture experience to fly one way and then bus the other way. The bus is overnight, but with lie-flat seat so not too uncomfortable. The salt flat is definitely worth it, you just need to first figure out whether you want to visit during the dry season (when you can see and touch the salt), or the web season (for the lake/mirror effect). Personally I find both La Paz and Uyuni quite physically challenging due to the high elevation and dry air.

    Peru - beyond the must-sees (Cusco, Machu Picchu, etc.), if you have time definitely consider the Nasca Lines. There are a few reputable companies that offer fly overs (of various lengths) using small propellor planes. Unfortunately to get to near the Nasca area you will probably have to take the bus (or a private car transfer).

    Namibia - for an aviation geek, you should also do the fly over along the Skeleton coast while you are in the Walvis Bay/Swakopmund area. It's quite a beautiful sight.

  32. Icarus Guest

    Definitely visit Guatemala taking into consideration you’re not living too far away. A friend was born in Queztaltenango.

    1. Pete Guest

      Isn't that where Chief Wiggum's insanity peppers came from?

  33. Anna Guest

    Kyrgyzstan is amazing. But it's all about the outdoors and stuff outside Bishkek (which is boring)

    If you're just going to the Hyatt, just visit any generic Hyatt anywhere else.

  34. Khatl Diamond

    Piling on with another 4
    Borneo (simply amazing, from the mountains to the jungle)
    Madagascar (animal diversity and diving are staggering)
    Mozambique (some amazing undeveloped places with some high end luxury stays and easy connections through JNB or easy drive to southern mozambique from kruger)
    Ethiopia (awesome from the highlands to the lowlands and Africa's best airline)

    1. JW Guest

      Concur with Borneo, more so when it’s littered with Hyatts and Marriotts whom Lucky is chasing after.

  35. Apple Guest

    Been to almost all. Here are my tips:

    Bolivia- there is a fare filed from PHL-VVI. Gives you 4 days in Bolivia. Next morning BoA VVI-LBP-UYUNI. Spend a day at salt flats, then take the overnight bus to La Paz. Fly back to Santa Cruz.

    Peru- Avianca down to Cusco, lovely place btw. Day tour to Machu Picchu. Bolivia deserves its own trip since it’s a good 4-5 days roundtrip from US IMO.

    ...

    Been to almost all. Here are my tips:

    Bolivia- there is a fare filed from PHL-VVI. Gives you 4 days in Bolivia. Next morning BoA VVI-LBP-UYUNI. Spend a day at salt flats, then take the overnight bus to La Paz. Fly back to Santa Cruz.

    Peru- Avianca down to Cusco, lovely place btw. Day tour to Machu Picchu. Bolivia deserves its own trip since it’s a good 4-5 days roundtrip from US IMO.

    Namibia-

    Must visit Walvis Bay. Discover flies quite a lot from Frankfurt and award space is wide open . Windhoek is a cool city as well, but there are also some cool local flights.

    Guatemala-

    Easy weekend trip to Antigua. Not sure how adventurous you are hiking wise, but there is a day hike of Antigua which is a lovely city (also cheap Tequila ). Guatemala is beautiful, so is Nicaragua though.

    Arrival Circle-

    I have done north Canada but also down a little bit further south to visit the polar bears on a day trip. Fly in morning, spend all day with polar bears, and leave in evening. That is an unreal trip which I highly recommend.

    If I can add any suggestions on which you haven’t been or on the list, I would the DRC, Bazaruto, South Sudan, Palawan, Punakha in Bhutan, Cuba (not sure if you’ve been), and Turkmenistan

  36. Brent Guest

    I have Istanbul on my list for this year, so that will be done.

    Right now, I think Sofia is on the list. I very much want to do a train down the Danube (Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest) for a nice trip. Probably also Kuala Lumpur. But there are so many places to see, and I have not been to enough of them.

    1. Jason Guest

      Sofia is not the main attraction in Bulgaria. It's not worth spending much time there. Use it as a gateway to go see the Rila Monastery for a day, then do trips from sofia to Veliko tarnovo and tryavna and the mountains.

    2. Timo Diamond

      Totally agree. I was there in Apr 2023 and one or two days in Sofia are plenty. We had a car and drove much of the southern and western parts. Stayed at a winery which was so beautiful and calm.

  37. Eskimo Guest

    What will be interesting is to know what would be on Matthew's list.

    I would say the title would be interchangeable with 'Destination that are Western supported conflict zones'

    Definitely not surprised to see his naked abs in Gaza, Lebanon or Yemen.

    1. John Guest

      Just shut up and take Tim Dump out on a date.

  38. George Romey Guest

    New Zealand
    Greenland
    Iceland
    Cape Town
    Fiji

    A number of places tend to be very party oriented (Mykonos, Amsterdam, Rio) I'd revisit is somehow I was younger again. But would like to revisit Sydney (in the off season), the northern slope of Alaska, Maui, and Buenos Aires.

  39. Creditcrunch Diamond

    In my top 5 ;

    Jordon
    Greenland
    St. Helena
    Belize
    Easter Island

  40. T. Davis Guest

    Namibia is beautiful! Many people are disappointed when they go there because they go there for the wildlife which is a mistake. Too dry. Go to Damaraland and Sossusvlei and as you mentioned....you definitely want to stay at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. The lodge has 4-wheelers you can use to drive out into the desert and at sunset it is breathtaking. One of my most memorable stays.
    The Faroes are also amazing. Much nicer...

    Namibia is beautiful! Many people are disappointed when they go there because they go there for the wildlife which is a mistake. Too dry. Go to Damaraland and Sossusvlei and as you mentioned....you definitely want to stay at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. The lodge has 4-wheelers you can use to drive out into the desert and at sunset it is breathtaking. One of my most memorable stays.
    The Faroes are also amazing. Much nicer than Iceland in my opinion. Get there soon before the throngs of tourists destroy the place. Luckily I was there about 15 years ago and it seems like I was the only person on some of the islands.

  41. Jerry Diamond

    I went to Iqaluit and Nuuk this summer. I found Nuuk to be great, and Iqaluit to be very boring.

    In Iqaluit, the scenery is beautiful, but I was surprised how under developed Iqaluit seemed. I understand it is remote, but I didn't really feel like I was in Canada. You likely won't have cell reception up there, and free wifi exists only at your hotel, so don't plan on getting too much work done...

    I went to Iqaluit and Nuuk this summer. I found Nuuk to be great, and Iqaluit to be very boring.

    In Iqaluit, the scenery is beautiful, but I was surprised how under developed Iqaluit seemed. I understand it is remote, but I didn't really feel like I was in Canada. You likely won't have cell reception up there, and free wifi exists only at your hotel, so don't plan on getting too much work done if you leave your hotel. Coffee shops don't even have it. Folks are generally friendly, but unless you have an outfitter plan outings for you, there isn't much to do.

    Greenland, on the other hand, feels like you're in Europe in basically every sense, though the weather is notoriously bad in Nuuk. I was there in late July, it rained the whole time, and the temps hovered in the single digits. But there are great restaurants, fully-stocked grocery stores (with good prices), and lots of cute Air BnBs, in addition to hotels. Getting a car is a good call; cruising around the town is fun. Cars are cheap, gas is subsidized, and cheaper than the USA, but you won't use very much.

  42. DiogenesTheCynic Member

    The amount of Greenland content Ben has written without actually having been to Greenland yet (which I had not realized) is wild. (Not complaining, just observing!)

  43. Chris K Guest

    Re: Guatemala easy to get to if you happen to stay in Belize in case you haven’t been there.

  44. Mitch Guest

    When you make it to Guatemala, Go to the market in Chichicastenengo and then spend time around Lake Atitlan

    1. Hunter Guest

      +1 to Lake Atitlan. Worth spending 1-2 nights in the town of San Marcos La Laguna.

  45. Never In Doubt Guest

    Go to Namibia to see the sand dunes, but go to Botswana for the variety/ quality of animal safari locations.

  46. Bruce Guest

    I grew up in Greece, and my favourite island is Skopelos. Although difficult to get to because there’s no airport, it is so, so, so gorgeous and more isolated than other islands. Symi is beautiful if you want some Dodecanese charm, Samothrace is really remote and a real adventure, and Paxos is just a relaxing, stunning landscape. I don’t think any have points hotels but that gives you an opportunity to stay with a local...

    I grew up in Greece, and my favourite island is Skopelos. Although difficult to get to because there’s no airport, it is so, so, so gorgeous and more isolated than other islands. Symi is beautiful if you want some Dodecanese charm, Samothrace is really remote and a real adventure, and Paxos is just a relaxing, stunning landscape. I don’t think any have points hotels but that gives you an opportunity to stay with a local BnB or host family, which in my opinion, is the real way to travel and absorb the place you’re staying in. There are some Cyclades that are worth visiting but all the popular islands, including Paros and Naxos and Ios now, are overrun by tourists and as such have lost their uniqueness.

  47. Nelson Diamond

    Ben, my bucket list is "Visit each year an Island where I never been before" and excluding the pandemic time I'm reaching it since a few years. Albeit during the pandemic I positioned myself in to Cape Verde Islands which didnt really amazed me.
    And I exclude Islands like the Balearics, the Canaries etc...because I hate to travel to destinations where there is a massive number of tourism and I could meet my neighbor,...

    Ben, my bucket list is "Visit each year an Island where I never been before" and excluding the pandemic time I'm reaching it since a few years. Albeit during the pandemic I positioned myself in to Cape Verde Islands which didnt really amazed me.
    And I exclude Islands like the Balearics, the Canaries etc...because I hate to travel to destinations where there is a massive number of tourism and I could meet my neighbor, so that's a no-go for me. I prefer places like Easter Island, French Polynesia, etc...
    I suggest you Pacific Islands. I.e. Tuvalu, up until now this is my favorite. Fernando de Noronha in Brazil is stunning to, surely because the entering people are limited to avoid tourism. Any Island of the Azores is amazing. My next desire is Tristão Da Cunha, the big issue here is that they have no Airport, you have to get there by boat out of SA, so a weekend looks to me impossible... ;-)

    1. pstm91 Diamond

      There are many "adventure" cruises that stop at Tristan da Cunha (as well as St. Helena, etc), but they are really long trips so you need to be able to have that time. They also don't guarantee landings (obviously). That would be the easiest way to get there, though.

  48. Travel the World Guest

    How about Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on United or Newark (EWR) to Nuuk on United?

  49. Alonzo Diamond

    Peru should definitely be high on your list. Especially if you enjoy fine dining.

  50. Willem Guest

    oh also Ben: Fly JFK => LIM with LATAM for 35k Alaska miles in Biz when you visit Peru so you can visit the DeltaOne lounge prior to departure as well! Availability honestly isn’t bad especially for the 1 pm departure the days it’s offered (Friday & Sunday)

  51. bob bob Guest

    Ben to Mongolia and Nuuk!!!!

  52. Josh Guest

    Namibia and Greenland are 2 of my top 3 also, Ben!

  53. Hammerofguam Member

    Canadian arctic in summer = mosquitos. Endless swarms of mosquitos. Better buy some special clothes, because it is unrelenting.

    1. Santos Guest

      Same anywhere in Canada if you plan to rough it. Not just the skeeters but mayflies, weird little non-biting bugs in the tens of thousands that swarm lights, all sorts of creepy crawlies. Heck, even in Toronto with the warmer than usual autumn right now, the mosquitoes are unrelenting in parts.

    2. West Coast flyer Guest

      It's an insect feeding frenzy in the summer, which is why Lucky should try and visit in April or May when it's not too cold but still very snowy. Hard to covince someone from Miami to do that though!

  54. Oli Guest

    You missed out Bhutan. Unbelievable place, insane travel (landing at Paro was the best flying experience ever) and incredible hotels (5x Aman properties and 5x Six Senses properties, plus a handful of other unique 5* properties). I’ve never been anywhere like it.

    1. albert Guest

      Believe he has a trip report from Bhutan already.

  55. Jim Guest

    Ben, you also should fly on United to Nuuk! this should easily be on your bucket list! Maybe also Ulaanbaatar on United???

  56. Mike O. Guest

    What about Banff, Patagonia, Iceland?

  57. Mongolia, your next trip Guest

    Ben, you should really fly to Mongolia! Maybe even from Ponta Delgada to Ulaanbaatar on United 737's! ****Anyone else think he should do this*****

  58. reads all your trip reports Guest

    Ben should fly to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia!

    1. i am Guest

      On United's 737's from Portugal to Mongolia!!!!!!

  59. edward Johnson Guest

    What about some islands in the pacific? Maybe Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Syria?

    1. bob bob Guest

      Yes!!! Ben should go to more islands in the pacific!!

    2. i am Guest

      AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    3. Mike O. Guest

      As an avgeek, he can always do United's Island Hopper

  60. James K. Guest

    I did in Uyuni in 2018 and back then you could just daytrip from La Paz. However I think BOA is now less than daily flights, so it's harder to do

  61. Andrew Guest

    Antiparos is a dream. While no loyalty affiliation, the Rooster is this idyllic, private location with individual homes on west side of island. Milos’ beaches are stunning. Try also Sifnos, the gastronomic centre of the Cyclades, and Syros for architecture. My list includes Amorgos...

    1. PointsandMilesDoc Member

      This is on my list as one of my dream hotels!

  62. AdamH Guest

    Antarctica should be on this list if you haven't been. Absolutely serene in ways that are hard to describe and other worldly.

  63. dfw88 Guest

    We visited Namibia this past summer and absolutely loved it. For most people it's a road trip destination; you pick up a car in Windhoek and drive a big loop around the country for a week or two. We loved doing it that way, though there's also a flight option with FlyNamibia who fly a tourist loop around the country called the FlyNamibia Safari Circuit, stopping at a lot of the most popular destinations. It's...

    We visited Namibia this past summer and absolutely loved it. For most people it's a road trip destination; you pick up a car in Windhoek and drive a big loop around the country for a week or two. We loved doing it that way, though there's also a flight option with FlyNamibia who fly a tourist loop around the country called the FlyNamibia Safari Circuit, stopping at a lot of the most popular destinations. It's pricey, but could be a fun review if you're not in the mood for a road trip. https://flynam.com/flynamibia-safari-2/

  64. Andrew Guest

    I've been a lot of places, but an off the path one would be Socotra. Looks like it would be super cool even if there's not a ton of infrastructure.

    1. Apple Guest

      Amazing place, second this.

  65. Willem Guest

    We really need an Inca Trail review from yours truly LOL

    Actually tho if you have Peru questions or Namibia ones (I did a 2-week self drive in 2021 covering everything) lmk by email!

    1. yes Guest

      Yes! also should wrap this in with other south america things or even Mongolia or Greenland

    2. Ben to beyond Guest

      Yes! also should wrap this in with other south America things or even Mongolia or Greenland

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Jack Guest

Waiting for the review of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions flights to blue-ice runways in Antarctica.... Barring that, perhaps a review of Airlink's flight to St. Helena in the South Atlantic. I thought St. Helena was spectacular.

2
Hammerofguam Member

Canadian arctic in summer = mosquitos. Endless swarms of mosquitos. Better buy some special clothes, because it is unrelenting.

2
derek Guest

Ben has worked too hard by going to so many places yet never leaving the airport. This should change. Even a brief stop is worthwhile. Also consider places, not countries. I, too, count countries but now I don't mind visiting a nice place even in a country that I've been to many times.

1
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