The volcanic island of Santorini is best known for its dramatic vistas, inspiring sunsets, and colourful pebble beaches. High along the cliffs, there are several villages on Santorini Island with traditional architecture, ancient ruins, and authentic wineries. The capital city, Fira, boasts of white cobblestone streets, shops, taverns, hotels, and cafes. The island’s most beautiful sunsets can be viewed from Oia, a town along the Ammoundi Bay with whitewashed walls and majestic blue domes. The most popular time to visit Santorini is between May and October, and you can reach the island by airline charter or ferry.

2.          Aurora Australis, Antarctica

While the North Pole enjoys the Aurora Borealis, the South Pole has the Aurora Australis. The most amazing place to see the Aurora Australis, or “Southern Lights,” is the wild and untamed continent of Antarctica. It is only visible from the southern latitudes and has never been viewed above the 30-degree latitude line. This phenomenon often appears as a glowing green or red curtain of light in the night sky. Although there is no definitive aurora cycle, they are associated with solar wind activity and are most common at the peak of sunspot cycles. Auroras are a photographer’s dream, and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

3.          Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Just outside the Egyptian city of Cairo lie the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. These pyramids, which were built as the final resting place for pharaohs, are the only surviving ruins of the original 7 wonders of the world. Most visitors choose to take a tour or hire a car to see the pyramids since the area is enormous. Bring a guidebook with you, since many of the landmarks and tombs are scarcely marked. The most popular sites include the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which is composed of over 2 million blocks, as well as the pyramids of Snefuru, Khfre, and Menkaure.

4.          The Maldives

The Maldives is on the bucket lists of many looking for an exotic getaway and next year would be perfect for a trip on what can feel like you’re on your own private island. The country is spread over nearly 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, home to shallow turquoise lagoons, white powdery sands, and some of the world’s most impressive array of marine life. The luxuries are endless with nearly every top resort in the Maldives on its own private island. Think overwater bungalows, private infinity pools, personal butlers, and more.

5.          Antarctica

Antarctica was once so isolated and remote only real explorers could visit but it’s become more accessible. The ultimate adventure to one of the world’s last true frontiers, sustainable expedition cruises are one of the best ways to experience this bucket-list trip. Most leave from Ushuaia on the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the southernmost tip of South America, known as the “End of the World.” Your adventure of a lifetime includes crossing the famous Drake Passage to marvel at everything from whales and penguins to seals and icebergs.

6.          Churchill, Manitoba, Canada

Head to the far north of Manitoba in the Arctic to visit Churchill, a town on Hudson Bay to witness wildlife most people see only on a screen in documentaries. During the warmer months with the ice breaking up, beluga whales can be seen by the thousands in the Churchill River. There are boat tours, in both zodiacs and larger passenger vessels, that take visitors out among the intelligent creatures. But Churchill is more famous for the polar bears that inhabit this region in autumn and there may be opportunities to see them in the summer if you can’t decide which you’d like to see most. This is one of the world’s few settlements for experiencing close encounters with the bears from the comfort of a unique tundra vehicle.