12 bucket list trips to book this Black Friday

For many people, traveling on a bucket list trip is an achievement of a lifetime, but it’s often deterred for personal or financial reasons—or because it simply feels like too big of a life event to justify. We’re here to tell you that if there’s a trip you’ve been dreaming about, whether it’s immersing yourself in the enduring traditions of Japan or joining a wildlife safari in Kenya, now is the time to book. During our Black Friday event, many of our most beloved itineraries will be on sale, meaning these travel dreams can soon become reality.

Imagine soaring over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter or chasing the northern lights in Iceland. With our exclusive Black Friday deals, there’s never been a better moment to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, and when you go guided, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Every journey begins with a single step, so take the leap and join one of these bucket list tours today.

2. Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes & Wildlife

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Why you’ll love this tour of Costa Rica

For nature lovers, there might be no greater bucket list destination than Costa Rica. When it comes to the land of pura vida, travelers are treated to one unforgettable experience after another, and our nine-day Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes & Wildlife tour gives you a taste of this Central American country’s immense natural diversity—from national parks to cloud forests to innovative agricultural projects.

“This trip exceeded all of my expectations right from day one,” said traveler Lorraine. “Our tour guide, Patricia, and bus driver, Michael, were both knowledgeable and exceptionally helpful. All of the local guides we had were also excellent. The trip offered something new and exciting every day—from going to local fruit stands and markets to visiting national parks, from swimming in the ocean to snorkeling off a catamaran, from walking through the cloud forest to walking on suspended bridges above the canopy. It was truly an amazing trip that I would highly recommend.”

Highlights of the tour

• Immersing yourself in Costa Rica’s best national parks. This Costa Rica tour will take you to two preserves guaranteed to leave you in awe. Along the Caribbean coast, you’ll soak in the beauty of the rainforest at Tortuguero National Park. And at Arenal Volcano National Park, you’ll marvel at the exciting ecosystem that orbits a 5,500-foot-tall volcano.
• Learning about nature-first projects—and meeting the people who bring them to life. We love how this itinerary gets you up close and personal with the people who honor Costa Rica’s inspiring commitment to protecting and preserving nature. In La Fortuna, you’ll visit an eco-friendly, carbon-negative ranch that’s considered the first of its kind in the country. And In the Monteverde region, you’ll visit a farm that makes some of the world’s best-tasting coffee.

If you thought Costa Rica couldn’t get any more extraordinary, add the three-day Manuel Antonio extension to this tour to spot an astonishing wealth of biodiversity. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best things to see in Costa Rica, according to our Costa Rica Travel Guide. Here, you’ll find scenic hiking trails that lead to white sand beaches, hidden waterfalls, and more species of flora and fauna than you could possibly count. Join the Manuel Antonio Catamaran Cruise excursion to see that the region’s impressive biodiversity even extends below the surface of its warm, turquoise waters.

3. Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo

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Why you’ll love this trek across Japan

For many, a trip to Japan is the ultimate bucket list vacation—and if you love buzzing metropolises, scenic mountainside locales, great art, and delicious food, then this two-week Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo tour is perfect for you. It combines iconic cities with an easygoing trip through the Japanese Alps, creating a well-rounded itinerary full of unforgettable memories. And all of it will be yours for the taking during our Black Friday sales event.

Highlights of the tour

• Living it up in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. You’ll get to experience three of Japan’s most important cities, each delivering a unique layer of the Japanese experience. Whether it’s the elegance of Kyoto, the grandeur of Tokyo, or the bustling energy of Osaka, you’ll get to sample the distinct character of these major urban centers while getting to know the locals. “Japan is by far the most friendly place I have toured,” said traveler Dan after returning from his trip. “People go out of their way to assist you. My wife and I were at a department store buying chocolate and wanted to find a place there that sold cheese. The person behind the counter got out and walked us over to where the cheese was sold halfway across the store. This happened multiple times for us on our tour.”
• Soaking up the serenity of the Japanese Alps. Did you know there are Alpine mountains in Japan? It’s a spectacular region in a country full of spectacular regions, and your two days there will provide a nice counterbalance to the bigger cities included in the itinerary. You’ll get to visit Kamikōchi, a remote valley and one of the region’s most stunning attractions. You’ll also take a moderate hike along Tashiro Pond, a lake formed by a volcanic eruption. It won’t be long before you discover why the country’s natural beauty is one of our top reasons to visit Japan.

Want to experience a completely different side of Japan? Add our four-day Okinawa extension to walk along the island’s white sand beaches, explore underground liquor cellars, and taste the fresh cuisine that made Okinawa one of the world’s five “blue zones”—home to the highest percentage of centenarians. During your stay, it should become abundantly clear why Okinawans live such long, happy lives.

4. Highlights of Australia & New Zealand

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Why you’ll love this trip to Australia and New Zealand

Dreaming about a bucket list trip down under? Making the journey to Australia and New Zealand can be a huge deal, if only because of how much you have to travel to get there. But once you arrive, you’ll know that it’s worth it. Our 15-day Highlights of Australia & New Zealand tour ensures you get to see, hear, smell, and taste the best that these enchanting nations have to offer. From snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and touring the inside of the Sydney Opera House to sightseeing in Melbourne and Auckland, this two-week adventure is destined to make a lasting impression. “This trip, with the additional excursions, topped off my bucket list!” said traveler Bea. “I could not have had a better time in any way, shape, or form. The hotels were very nice, the food was sensational, the tour guide was an A+++ in my book, and the trip was everything I expected and far more! I highly recommend this trip!” (Remember: Don’t miss our Black Friday event to score a great deal on this sensational trip to Australia and New Zealand.)

Highlights of the tour

• Getting up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef. For many, a trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Great Barrier Reef. And on this itinerary, you’ll get to pick between two ways to see this natural wonder. Climb aboard a glass-bottomed boat to see the corals from above, or grab some snorkeling gear and get in the water. All of it starts, however, with a meeting with a marine biologist, so you can learn about the importance of this fragile ecosystem.
• Admiring New Zealand’s wild beauty. On our New Zealand tours, you’ll be guided through some of the planet’s most striking natural wonders. Fiordland National Park, for example, is full of breathtaking scenery, from beech forests to mirror-like lakes. But you can take your visit up a notch by signing up for an added excursion. The trip to Waiheke Island is one of our travelers’ favorites. Not only do you get to sail out to this lush island full of exciting history, colorful flora, and craggy beaches, but there will also be opportunities to sip and sample local wine and olive oils.

Add a third island paradise (and one of the best islands in the world) to your journey by booking the three-day Fiji extension offered on this tour. We can’t think of a better way to cap off a whirlwind two-week tour down under than with a few days of lounging on immaculate beaches and snorkeling in tropical water.

5. Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli

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Why you’ll love this Kenyan safari

If you’ve never been on a safari, take our incredible Black Friday deals as a sign that you need to check this off your bucket list. What makes a trip to Kenya so special? The country is home to a diverse collection of wildlife, and the sheer number of animals will astound you. Whether you’re seeing rare Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Center just outside Nairobi or stalking a lioness as she hunts in the Maasai Mara, every wildlife encounter makes our 13-day Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli tour a bucket list vacation. “Overall, this tour was the trip of a lifetime,” said traveler Deborah. “I highly recommend it to anyone interested in conservation and animals. Kenya and Tanzania left me with new perspectives and I will never forget the people and wildlife who touched my life on this tour.”

Highlights of the tour

• Tracking Africa’s Big Five. There’s no denying that a game drive in the Maasai Mara—a 600-square-mile national reserve in southwestern Kenya—is one of the most impressive safari and wildlife tours you can go on. The sheer abundance of leopards, lions, elephants, warthogs, rhinos—well, you get the idea. You’ll check seeing the Big Five off your bucket list in no time. (You’ll also want to pay attention to the immense beauty of these lands.)
• Meeting Kenyan creatives. During this 13-day Kenya trip, you’ll also get to meet local artisans at places like Sandstorm Kenya. This company started as a safari tent maker, but now employs dozens of Maasai craftspeople who hand-make beautiful bags from canvas and leather.

Cross another country off your travel bucket list by adding the five-day Tanzania extension to this tour. Set out on game drives through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, tour a coffee plantation, and see why we ranked Tanzania among the best sunset spots in the world.

6. U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

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Why you’ll love this tour of the U.S. National Parks

National park lovers, rejoice! This 12-day U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone tour is the bucket list vacation of your dreams. You’ll get to explore the widely diverse landscapes of the American West with stops at Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, and much more. No trip to the U.S. is complete without seeing a national park—make it happen by taking advantage of this year’s Black Friday deals!

Highlights of the tour

• Comparing some of the country’s best national parks. Whether it’s the 800-year-old cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde or the dramatic expanse of ochre rock formations that have long defined Zion, this itinerary is full of jaw-dropping moments. And we haven’t even mentioned the Grand Canyon! We offer an additional excursion that shows off this gorgeous natural wonder from a unique vantage point: aboard a helicopter. It’s one of our can’t-miss experiences in the U.S. national parks. “When I woke up on the fifth day of the trip, my first thought was, ‘Today, I’m going to do something I’ll always remember!’” said staffer Katie after joining the excursion. “The Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride was the most thrilling half hour of my tour. I wasn’t alone—every traveler that joined this excursion felt the same way. As we took to the sky, with between four and six travelers in each helicopter, we could see the Colorado River running through the steep walls of the canyon. Having an aerial view of the Grand Canyon made me appreciate its immensity in a way I couldn’t when I was standing on the ground.”
• Adding some cultural excursions between park visits. Along with plenty of time spent marveling at some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of the American West, our 12-day U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone tour includes more culturally minded activities. There’s an educational stop at the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum in Arizona, as well as a visit to Santa Fe’s Loretto Chapel to view its miraculous staircase. (The spiral structure lacks a central support pole, leaving many architecture enthusiasts to consider it an innovative feat of woodworking.)

Like your bucket list trips with a healthy dose of history? Tack the three-day Missoula & Glacier National Park extension onto your trip for a deeper dive into the history of the American West. You’ll learn about early pioneers at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site before making your way to Glacier National Park. Dubbed the “Crown of the Continent,” the park’s lands are deeply entwined with the history and heritage of several indigenous American tribes.

7. Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket

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Why you’ll love this bucket list trip to Thailand

Two weeks in Thailand—with an itinerary that spans soaring temples, dreamy islands, friendly elephants, and incredibly sumptuous food—are sure to deliver a bucket list vacation. Our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket covers so much ground and offers such an immersive experience that you’ll come away feeling like you’ve just taken in everything the country has to offer. “This was my second EF tour, and it exceeded all of my expectations,” said traveler Louise. “It has something for everyone: bustling cities, small towns, mountains, waterfalls, rivers, oceans, beaches, temples, food, culture, and the greatest people! Our tour director, Dream, was amazing and so responsive to all of our wants and needs. The family-hosted dinner is a MUST. The hosts were incredible, and the food, wonderful. If you are wondering whether you should go on this tour, let me help you out: YES!” As if that’s not enough to convince you to go, during our Black Friday event, you’ll be getting a grand trip to Thailand for less!

Highlights of the tour

• Seeing Thai life in its markets. Whether it’s exploring the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market while sailing on a long-tail boat, absorbing the tingling energy of the Maeklong Railway Market (where vendors set up shop right on the train line), or immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Chiang Mai Night Market, there’s plenty to learn about Thai life and culture at these sensational shopping destinations.
• Connecting with Asian elephants. Thailand tops our list of destinations for responsible wildlife experiences, and one of the most popular moments of our Chiang Mai tours in northern Thailand is the visit to the ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary. Here, you’ll see how this organization provides care and support for Asian elephants—many of whom are rescues. During the visit, you’ll not only learn about the sanctuary’s mission and watch elephants roam the grounds, but you’ll also prepare medicine and food for them while you chat with mahouts, or elephant caretakers. It’s truly both a rewarding and educational experience that you will never forget.

Add our three-day Cambodia extension to this trip for a chance to explore one of the ultimate bucket list travel destinations—Angkor Wat. This UNESCO-listed complex is the world’s largest religious monument and is a dream-like labyrinth of Buddhist and Hindu temples, towering spires, and hidden courtyards.

8. Highlights of Chile: Santiago, the Atacama & Patagonia

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Why you’ll love this mystical trip to Chile

If the disarming beauty of the painterly Atacama Desert isn’t enough to sway you, the icy glaciers, jagged peaks, and lush valleys of Patagonia should do the trick—Chile is a truly remarkable destination that deserves to be at the top of your bucket list. Our Highlights of Chile: Santiago, the Atacama & Patagonia tour will whisk you from north to south along the coastal country, taking you to more natural wonders than you could even dream of (with plenty of stops to sip Chilean wine in between!). Our Black Friday sales event is the perfect excuse to cross this hidden gem bucket list destination off your list.

Highlights of the tour

• Traversing otherworldly landscapes. There are few places in the world that feel more like a different planet than the Atacama Desert. From the Moon Valley, to the Salar de Atacama salt flat, to El Tatio—the largest geothermal field in the Southern Hemisphere, each new locale feels like a distant world. Join our Atacama Night Sky Astronomy Tour excursion to feel like you’re gazing out into a vast universe from the surface of Mars.
• Seeking unique wildlife. This tour of Chile will give you an up-close view of the country’s staggering biodiversity. You’ll explore the Putana and Machuca Wetlands, home to various species of flamingos, ibis, and vicuñas—rare cousins of the alpaca. Join the Isla Magdalena Penguin Colony excursion offered on the Patagonia leg of the tour to visit Magdalena Island, one of the best islands to visit in the world. Here, you’ll watch the Magellanic penguins waddle about their natural habitat. “In addition to the penguins, we also saw a ton of unexpected wildlife like guanaco (a relative of the llama), huemul (rare Patagonian deer), emu, birds, and coati (like raccoons) while on tour,” said traveler Amy, who visited the island on our Chile to Argentina: Santiago, Patagonia & Buenos Aires tour.

If you’re looking for bucket list places to travel to that are a little off the beaten path or that combine sweeping landscapes, cultural history, and an air of mystery—look no further. Add our four-day Easter Island extension to this tour to explore a bucket list destination unlike anywhere else in the world. Not only will you get an up-close view of the imposing and enigmatic moai—the ancient stone statues that guard the island—but you’ll also learn about the history, art, and culture of the people who call the island home.

9. Iceland: Reykjavík & the Northern Lights

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Why you’ll love this Icelandic adventure

Iceland is a dramatic land shaped by fire and ice, and our week-long Iceland: Reykjavík & the Northern Lights tour will have you standing beneath volcanoes, floating in thermal pools, venturing into ice caves, and, of course, hitting all the best spots to see the northern lights. “[I] enjoyed all of the activities offered in the EF Go Ahead tour, especially the opportunity to see the northern lights twice,” said traveler Susan after returning from the trip. “We learned interesting facts about the geology of Iceland and explored glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal pools, and the volcanic black sand beach. Having lunch in a greenhouse was a special treat for me as a gardener. We even saw some elf cottages along the way. Taking advantage of the extension to Western Iceland afforded us an opportunity to visit a glacier and explore an ice cave. I’ll never forget the group singing Happy Birthday to me while under 30 meters of snow! This was a trip of a lifetime!” If you’ve ever dreamed of floating weightlessly in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon or watching the aurora dance above you, our Black Friday event is the perfect excuse to cross a few life-changing experiences off your bucket list.

Highlights of the tour

• Relaxing in thermal waters. Kick off your tour in the most relaxing way possible—with a dip in the revitalizing, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Join the Blue Lagoon Spa Visit excursion on your first day in Reykjavík to soak in the geothermal pools, surrounded by rugged lava fields. Let the warm, healing waters melt away your travel fatigue and prepare you for the adventures ahead.
• Chasing the northern lights. While there’s no guarantee the aurora borealis will make an appearance on your trip to Iceland (we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature, after all), one of our favorite things to do on this tour is to venture out under the endless night sky in search of the gossamer northern lights. Even if you don’t catch a glimpse of the hypnotic light show, you’ll witness the ethereal beauty of the Icelandic countryside draped in a blanket of stars.

If you’re not quite ready to leave this fantasy land, add our two-day West Iceland extension to your tour to explore the country’s dramatic, untamed western region. Here, you’ll discover a land of Viking legends, glittering glaciers, and some of the top-rated waterfalls in Iceland.

10. Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu

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Why you’ll love this tour of India and Nepal

This multi-country tour crosses off two bucket list destinations in one trip. You’ll see gilded temples, sunset-colored fortresses, and may even spot a Bengal tiger on our two-week Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour. Get to know the locals, ride a rickshaw through a fragrant 16th-century market, and visit Nepal’s first national park—and do it all for less, thanks to our Black Friday sales event.

Highlights of the tour

• Experiencing India from all angles. We love that this tour of India offers a new perspective on some of the country’s most iconic sites. You’ll take a sunset tour of the Taj Mahal and have the opportunity to marvel at the Pink City of Jaipur from the basket of a hot air balloon. You’ll even gain a first-hand perspective on Indian culture as you join a local family in their home for a home-hosted dinner.
• Creating art in Nepal. You won’t just view the local art in the vibrant cities of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur—you’ll learn to make it yourself. On our Highlights of India & Nepal: Delhi, Agra & Kathmandu tour, you’ll learn about paubhas, traditional paintings depicting deities, and have a chance to create your own. You’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at traditional Nepalese pottery under the guidance of a local artisan, experiencing the culture and craftsmanship firsthand—and creating an unforgettable memento from your trip.

Whether you’re a Bollywood fan, are itching to see the labyrinthian cave temples of Elephanta Island, or just don’t want your tour of India to end, you won’t be disappointed when you add the three-day Mumbai extension to this tour. You’ll close out your trip of a lifetime in India’s largest city, experiencing some of the best things to do in Mumbai.

11. Ecuador & Peru: The Galápagos, Cuzco & Machu Picchu

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Why you’ll love this trip of a lifetime to South America

If the idea of exploring lost citadels perched in the clouds, spotting exotic wildlife, and wandering along lush, mountainous shorelines feels right up your alley, we’ve got good news—our two-week Ecuador & Peru: The Galápagos, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour might be the bucket list trip for you. You’ll discover the wonders of the Andes Mountains and Galápagos islands and even have the option to venture into the Amazon Rainforest. Plus, with our Black Friday sales event, this adventure of a lifetime is closer than ever.

Highlights of the tour

• Cruising around the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos Islands rank among our top tropical destinations for several reasons. Here you’ll find unrivaled biodiversity, with species like giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. When you join our Ecuador & Peru: The Galápagos, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour, you’ll board a cruise ship for the Galápagos leg of the tour—island hopping, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting for three days.
• Exploring the heart of the Incan Empire. The Peru leg of this two-week tour will take you straight into the mystical landscapes of the Sacred Valley. You’ll tour the city of Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, and journey to Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Andes Mountains. “For me, growing up with the dream of someday going to Machu Picchu always seemed like that—just a dream that was out of reach,” said staffer Paula while recounting her reasons to visit Machu Picchu. “When I finally got the opportunity to go, it was unbelievable to me, and I still can’t believe I was there. It is truly one of the wonders of the world, and after going, I encourage everyone to see it for themselves. Even if it seems out of reach. Keep dreaming and it will happen.”

If you’re a wildlife and nature buff, chances are a trip to the Amazon is already on your travel bucket list, so why not add the three-day Amazon Region extension to this tour to check it off? You’ll explore the world’s largest rainforest by way of a river boat, on foot, and from a series of bridges and canopy walks through the treetops.

12. Spain’s Balearic Islands: Menorca & Mallorca

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Why you’ll love this tour of Spain’s Balearic Islands

Our Spain’s Balearic Islands: Menorca & Mallorca tour will take you to two of Spain’s most iconic islands, but first, you’ll start your journey in Barcelona, meaning you’ll hit three of the best cities in Spain all on one trip (four if you add the extension to the tour!). You’ll see cathedrals like Santa Maria Cathedral in Menorca and La Sagrada Família in Barcelona—a bucket list destination for sure—and castles like the Castle of St. Nicholas and Bellver Castle. You’ll visit laid-back villages and spirited cities and spend plenty of time on the beach—and in the water, if you so choose. A trip to Spain’s Balearic Islands might seem like a bucket list vacation reserved for the rich and famous, but our Black Friday event makes it easier than ever to make this sun-soaked dream a reality.

Highlights of the tour

• Taking to the water. Between the sunset cruise along Menorca’s coast, the snorkeling excursion in Mallorca, and the unforgettable boat ride through the Cuevas del Drach (complete with underground concert!), you’ll have ample opportunities to enjoy the Balearic Islands’ sapphire waters. Of course, if you prefer to keep both feet on dry land, this tour provides plenty of chances to explore the best things to do on Menorca and Mallorca.
• Enjoying the cuisine. Some of our favorite bucket list vacations have been the ones where we’ve allowed our stomachs to call the shots. When you join our Spain’s Balearic Islands: Menorca & Mallorca tour, you’ll taste your way through a local food market and stop in a bakery to taste ensaimada pastries, a regional specialty. You’ll also have the option to add excursions to visit a local cheese farm and attend an olive oil tasting and farmhouse dinner as you make your way through rolling hillsides and into charming coastal villages.

If you want to check one more Spanish city off your bucket list before heading home, add our two-day Valencia extension to ease yourself back out of island time with a healthy dose of cosmopolitan art, culture, and—of course—paella. “[I] heartily suggest doing the extension so that you get two major cities at either end and the bucolic islands in between,” said traveler Marilyn after taking the tour. You’ll have two days to visit museums, shop, and even attend a regional cooking class in Valencia before returning home.

Want to start checking things off your travel bucket list? Score one of our amazing Black Friday deals now!