Wanderlust (noun): A strong desire to travel

/ˈwändərˌləst/

Who else misses that feeling of excitement and wonder before leaving to explore a brand new place? I know we do!

While the pandemic has definitely stunted our travel plans for 2020 and most likely a large part – if not most – of 2021, it’s also given us a lot of free time to reflect and dream about all the things we want to do when it’s safe to do so.

It was hard to limit our long bucket list of places to explore around the world to only a few, but somehow, we’ve managed to do it. So, get dreaming with us! Here are seven of our top bucket list spots that are making us excited for future travels.

Snowboard or Ski in the Alps of Switzerland

Valais Switzerland Sun GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

If you like majestic mountains, partying with the rich and famous, picturesque Swiss alpine villages, never-ending cheese tasting and indulging in some of the best chocolate in the world, the Swiss Alps should definitely be on your bucket list.

Renowned for its stunning mountains and world-famous ski resorts, the Swiss Alps are the ultimate paradise for those who love Skiing or Snowboarding!

Their ski season runs almost all year round, with different mountains operating depending on their altitudes and weather conditions. However, from mid-January to mid-March is your best bet for getting the best snow, regardless of where you go.

Go snorkelling in Bora Bora

Ocean Wave GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

On the beautiful island of Bora Bora, some of the most amazing scenery lies beneath the lagoon’s surface, waiting to be discovered.

The island is most known for its scuba diving, where divers can explore the Bora Bora Lagoon and see hundreds of tropical fish, stingrays, manta rays and reef sharks with coral gardens. For a more intense excursion, you can even head out to meet the sharks outside the reef in the deep, royal blue Pacific Ocean.

For a trip worthy of the Kardashians, the island is also known as a luxury resort destination where guests can stay bungalows on stilts over the water. Let’s hope you won’t be losing any diamond earrings, though.

See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Nat Geo Aurora GIF by National Geographic Channel - Find & Share on GIPHY

Witnessing the bright dancing Northern Lights for yourself is definitely a bucket-list-worthy experience to add to any future travels list.

Did you know that the Northern Lights can be seen from many locations worldwide, including many right here in Canada? Catch a glimpse of them in the Yukon or the Northwest Territories for many months of the year.

However, our personal pick for where to see them is in Iceland, where you can also enjoy other bucket-list-worthy activities like visiting the Blue Lagoon, an outdoor geothermal spa. The Lagoon is not only beautiful, but it also has many healing properties to take advantage of. It’s been named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic, and it’s an absolute must-see destination. If you haven’t, watch the first episode of Zac Efron’s Netflix series Down to Earth to get you dreaming even more of traveling there one day!

Tour Havana, Cuba in a classic car

Viceland GIF by VICE WORLD OF SPORTS - Find & Share on GIPHY

For all you car fans, this dream destination is right up your alley.

Not only is Havana, Cuba, home to so much history, culture, nightlife and food, it’s also known for its vintage cars! Cuba’s love of vintage cars is ingrained in their culture, and it makes up a big part of their tourism. You can’t visit Cuba’s capital without taking a tour in one of the vividly-coloured vintage cars that line the streets, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for any car lover.

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon in Turkey

Mountains Baloon GIF by Go Turkey - Find & Share on GIPHY

Cappadocia is Turkey’s very own fairytale kingdom! The region is the most popular location in the world for hot air ballooning. Its rocky landscape of natural wonders is a magnificent sight to behold from the air. Even when you’re not up in the air, the sky is filled with balloons everywhere, truly making it a real-life fairytale!

Don’t just stay for the hot air balloons, also explore everything else that the region has to offer with all its history and culture! Cappadocia means “the land of beautiful horses,” so might as well do some horseback riding while you’re there.

See the Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Japan

Cherry Blossom Tree GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Exploring the city of Tokyo is a bucket list travel adventure all on its own with so many amazing things to see and try. With everything from traditional sushi, themed cafes, a bustling nightlife, lots of history, futuristic architecture, street fashion, manga culture and more, the city is one of a kind.

One of the things you need to see while in Tokyo is their iconic cherry blossom trees during Sakura season. When the cherry trees bloom in pink and white across the city in the spring, they signal the new season’s arrival and new beginnings. Locals and travellers head out to parks and gardens to see their beauty before they go away once again.

Experience an African Safari in Botswana

Elephant Running GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Who wouldn’t want to see these amazing animals right in their natural habitats, living their best lives? Thanks to its dedicated approach to wildlife conservation, Bostwana is considered the best African country to visit for the best safari experience. Its unique selection of national parks and game reserves make it a haven for nature lovers and the perfect place to see all your favourite animals in their natural habitats.

World Travel GIF by SoulPancake - Find & Share on GIPHY

Until we can safely travel again, keep dreaming and keep planning – our time will come soon enough. Until then, cook your fave meals from different countries and find out how to travel the world from your bedroom.

Let us know what locations you have on your bucket list on our Instagram, @shareignite!


Want to have your own at-home staycation, but unsure where to start? We’ve got you covered with a guide on how to plan the ultimate staycation.

Follow IGNITE on FacebookInstagram and Twitter for all things student life.