These vacation destinations should be on everyone's bucket lists! The world is filled with amazing places -- people could spend their whole lives traveling and not come close to seeing everything -- but some places stand above the rest as truly extraordinary. If you're planning a vacation, then why not make plans to visit one of the world's most historic or naturally beautiful destinations? Our top 5 bucket list vacations are: touring the ruins of Machu Picchu, going on safari in South Africa, traveling through Europe, walking the Great Wall of China, and taking a luxury tour of South America. Here, we'll explain what makes these must-see vacation hotspots that travelers shouldn't live without seeing. We'll also review the best vacation deals for these remarkable excursions. Read on to learn more about these amazing bucket-list vacations.
Finding affordable travel packages for European vacations is easy. Currently, Go-Today is offering a nine-day vacation through Central Europe starting at $1,199 -- this tour includes stops in Budapest, Vienna and Prague. Gate 1 Travel is offering an 11-day all-inclusive vacation through Germany, Switzerland and Austria starting at $2,349. Great Value Vacations is also offering an 11-day vacation, with this one taking travelers through London, Paris and other European cities for $1,899.
The Great Wall is famous for being the only man-made structure that is visible from space. Why not see it in person, though, with a guided Great Wall of China tour? The Great Wall of China is one of the world's seven wonders and perhaps the most iconic symbol of ancient Asian history. Several travel companies offer guided, translated tours of the Great Wall and other Chinese cities. Given the political climate of China and surrounding countries, now is a great time to visit the Great Wall. You never know how long this window will remain open.
Kanyezi Africa is one of many travel companies offering great African luxury safari deals. Take a nine-day journey through Kruger National Park for $54,95 per person, or a 13-day trek through the park with stops in Capetown and The Cape of Good Hope for $7,395 per person. Another fantastic deal is through United Travel Group, where you can book a seven-day safari through Kenya's Samburu and Shaba national parks -- as well as Masai Mara and the Great Rift Valley -- for $2,395.
Affordable World is offering a 10- or 11-day China vacation package with airfare included for $1,299. On this trip, you'll not only walk on the Great Wall, but you'll also visit Tiananmen Square in Beijing while touring several other Chinese cities. Gate 1 Travel is offering a 14-day China vacation package with a day at the Great Wall for around $2,000, and Globus is offering an all-inclusive China vacation package for just under $3,000.
Want to explore South America? Thanks to these South America vacation deals, you can do so affordably. Go-Today is offering an eight-day vacation package covering Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls starting from $1,499. Or, you can experience the magic of the Galapagos Islands with this eight-day Ecuador and Galapagos vacation for just $1,299. If you want to see the Amazon jungle, check out this five-day tour of Ecuador and the Amazon for just $799 per person!
You've seen lions, rhinos, leopards and other majestic African wildlife in zoos, but to see them in their homeland is an entirely different experience. Few things match the splendor and adventure of an African safari tour, and numerous tour companies host safaris via a network of luxurious South African lodges. Explore Kenya, Botswana, Cape Town and other countries as you witness vistas and wildlife that can't fully be experienced any other way.
Booking a Machu Picchu vacation tour is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for most travelers already. This 15th-century Inca citadel, nestled in the mountains nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, is one of the most beautiful and intact ruins of ancient Incan culture. Visitors can reach the ruins by train or bus, or hikers can reach Machu Picchu by hiking the Inca Trail or other old routes. Tourism has caused enough wear and tear at this historic site that the ruins might someday be closed to tourists. That makes now the best time to go.
Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Easter Island and Torres del Paine National Park -- these are just some of the breathtaking places you'll see on a South American vacation. Many travelers overlook South America when making their plans, but you won't find another part of the world so mysterious and beautiful. Tour ancient ruins, experience South American culture and visit places with rainforests, granite cliffs, glaciers and just about anything else you could imagine. Adventure awaits in South America.
Want to find incredible Machu Picchu vacation deals? Audley Travel is currently offering a 12-day vacation package covering the Amazon, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu for $3,405 per person. G Adventures is also offering a tour that includes both the Amazon and Machu Picchu for $2,749. For those who want to hike the Inca Trail, Audley Travel is offering an eight-day adventure with four days of hiking and camping en route to Machu Picchu.
Europe is home to some of the world's finest countries and most historic cities. You can visit Italy and see The Colosseum and other relics of the ancient Roman Empire, or you can visit Paris and walk in the shadow of the iconic Eiffel Tower. You can visit Big Ben and Buckingham Palace in London, or ski in the Swiss Alps, or see the Northern Lights from Iceland. Travel the British Isles, and walk through ancient towns and fortresses. Europe offers an unending number of things to see and do, and every traveler should visit the continent at least once.