Are you looking to travel more? If so, we have created a list of 10 countries you can add to your travel bucket list to help you get started!
Traveling is one of the greatest luxuries we can gift ourselves. Since our first experience abroad in 2016, we’ve fallen in love with the idea of frequently exploring new places. Through our travels, we’ve learned that while every destination is unique, they all share certain similarities, making it nearly impossible to choose just one or a few favorites. As an attempt to narrow it down, we’ve put together a list of 10 countries you should add to your travel bucket list. These aren’t ranked, nor are they the only countries we recommend visiting, but we believe they’re a perfect mix for getting you started on your adventures.
10 Countries To Add To Your Bucket List
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Japan
- Sri Lanka
- Italy
- Switzerland
- Colombia
- Peru
- Argentina
Thailand
Thailand is a must-see country we recommend to everyone we meet. It is a travel-friendly and culture-filled place, a perfect destination for both luxury travelers and backpackers.
Recommended Experiences:
- Explore ancient temples in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Bangkok.
- Go island hopping in Koh Lipe, Ko Phangan, Koh Lanta, or the Phi Phi Islands.
- Try local foods such as Cashew Nut Chicken, Khao Soi, and Pad Thai.
- Visit Bangkok’s famous nightlife street, Khao San Road.
Best Time to Visit: November through April for drier weather.
Budget Friendly? Very. Thailand offers a variety of ways to travel on a very low budget while having opportunities for a more luxurious experience.
What We Loved the Most: Friendly people, beautiful beaches, delicious foods, and travel accessibility.
Click here to read more about Thailand on our blog post “Our Ultimate Thailand Experience”.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a country with stunning beaches, rich culture, and incredible landscapes — ideal for those looking to surf, go on an adventure, or settle down as a digital nomad.
Recommended Experiences:
- Relax or learn to surf on one of Bali’s beaches – Uluwatu or Canggu for the most popular spots.
- Island hop to the Gili’s from Lombok or Bali.
- Visit waterfalls, swim with dolphins, or go diving with manta rays.
- Explore the islands on a scooter.
Best Time to Visit: April to October for dry season and clearer skies.
Budget Friendly? Very. An ideal destination for budget travelers and backpackers, yet perfect for those wanting to splurge on a vacation or make it a temporary home.
What We Loved the Most: Amazing mix of traditional and Western food, breathtaking views of lush rice terraces, and the opportunity to call it home for six months.
Philippines
The Philippines is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning waterfalls. Highly recommended for travelers looking for tropical escapes and adventure all in one.
Recommended Experiences:
- Swim or kayak in the Big lagoon in Palawan.
- Watch the most beautiful sunsets on the beach, especially in Boracay.
- Take boat trips and snorkel in the clear waters.
- Explore the waterfalls and cliffs in Siquijor.
Best Time to Visit: December to May for sunny weather. Be mindful of the typhoon season from June to November.
Budget Friendly? Yes. Though it is low-budget/backpacker-friendly, transportation is a little less affordable than in countries like Thailand. Keep that in mind if on a budget!
What We Loved the Most: The beautiful beaches in all parts of the country and stunning sunsets.
Japan
Japan is a country where traditional culture meets the modern world. It is famous for its cuisine, gaming, and city life.
Recommended Experiences:
- Explore Tokyo’s famous neighborhoods and nightlife.
- Relax in Fujikawaguchiko and bike around the lake for views of Mount Fuji – if you are feeling adventurous, hike to the top.
- Visit Kyoto, its famous shrines and temples.
- Try matcha, sushi, ramen, and Kobe beef.
Best Time to Visit: March to May for spring weather and a chance to see the cherry blossoms, or October to November for autumn.
Budget Friendly? Medium to high-range budget required. Though there are ways to spend “less,” Japan is not a low-budget destination.
What We Loved the Most: Friendly culture, easy to get around, so many places to visit, and the anime and gaming scene.
We recommend the best anime and gaming activities in Japan here! Check it out.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country filled with adventure, wildlife, beaches, and incredible cuisine. The perfect place for cultural immersion and fun activities. One of the most underrated places we have traveled to thus far, yet it is one of our favorite countries.
Recommended Experiences:
- Go surfing in Mirissa, Hiriketiya, or Arugam Bay.
- Ride buses and tuk-tuks for a local experience.
- Climb Pidurangala Rock to get views of the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. If feeling adventurous and not on a budget, also climb Sigiriya Rock.
- Enjoy the traditional scenic train ride to Ella and Nuwara Eliya – and make a quick stop for a tea plantation tour.
Best Time to Visit: December to April for the west and south; May to September for the north and east.
Budget Friendly? The most budget-friendly country we have traveled to so far. Though prices have increased in the last few years, Sri Lanka is still a country where you will see and do so much while spending very little.
What We Loved the Most: Food, friendly people, and diverse activities to choose from.
Italy
Italy is a perfect travel destination in Europe for first timers or seasoned travelers. It is a place for foodies, history lovers, and makes for the perfect romantic getaway.
Recommended Experiences:
- Explore Rome’s history by visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon, and make a quick stop at the Trevi Fountain.
- Road trip and sip wine in Tuscany’s countryside.
- Get lost in the alleys of Venice and enjoy its famous gondola ride.
- Enjoy the beautiful views and cuisine on the Amalfi Coast.
Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October for pleasant weather.
Budget Friendly? Medium to high-range budget. Depending on where you are traveling within the country, budget-friendly travel is possible with careful planning and by taking advantage of opportunities like volunteering and house-sitting along the way.
What We Loved the Most: Culture, food, and cute cobblestone streets. It was our first “love” when it comes to countries, and it’s a place we’ll return to time and time again.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a paradise for nature lovers and a perfect luxurious getaway. A place that makes you feel like you are in an episode of National Geographic.
Recommended Experiences:
- Visit the Alps, including Engelberg, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen.
- Go skiing, ride the Glacier Express Train, and enjoy fine dining.
- Road trip around the country for the best views of the beautiful landscape, lakes, and cows.
- Enjoy delicious Swiss chocolate.
Best Time to Visit: Switzerland is beautiful year round. Peak times are in June to September for hiking or December to February for skiing.
We visited in October and loved the autumn colors and cool weather.
Budget Friendly? The least budget-friendly country we have traveled to thus far. We recommend planning for a high cost trip, especially if you choose to do some of the popular activities listed above.
What We Loved the Most: The most breathtaking landscapes everywhere we went in the country, truly felt like we were looking at a painting.
Colombia
Colombia is a country with colorful towns, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. It’s a place that took us by surprise and an easy one to fall in love with.
Recommended Experiences:
- Wander through Cartagena’s old town and try its local foods.
- Visit the coffee region and go on a coffee tour in Salento.
- Explore the city of Medellín and take a day trip to the scenic Guatapé region.
- Learn to dance salsa in any part of the country.
Best Time to Visit: December to March for dry weather.
Budget Friendly? Very. Colombia makes it easy to travel and explore on a low/backpacker budget.
What We Loved the Most: The vibrant colors and lively culture everywhere we visited. It was a fun and easy-to-travel country that we completely fell in love with.
We have everything you need to know about Colombia in our “Ultimate Colombian Experience blog post!”
Peru
Peru is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes. It’s a place rich in history, experiences, and cultural practices.
Recommended Experiences:
- Hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and relax in the town of Aguas Calientes after.
- Explore the Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountains in the Cusco region.
- Visit Huacachina and watch the sunset over the dunes — or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try sandboarding down them.
- Enjoy Peruvian cuisine, which is said to be some of the best in the world. Try Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina, Ceviche, and the famous Pisco Sour drink.
Best Time to Visit: May to September for the dry season, ideal for trekking.
Budget Friendly? Like Colombia, Peru is very affordable, making exploring and enjoying all parts of the culture easy for someone on a budget.
What We Loved the Most: How diverse, beautiful, and travel-friendly the entire country was.
Want to know more about the Salkantay Trek? We outline all the details here.
Argentina
Argentina offers stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and a variety of outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those looking for a fun filled vacation.
Recommended Experiences:
- Visit the wine region in Mendoza and enjoy a few wine-tasting tours.
- Explore Argentinian Patagonia and drive around the Seven Lakes.
- Enjoy the delicious Argentinian cuisine—Asado, Choripan, and Dulce de Leche are a must.
- Take a trip to Iguazú Falls.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Argentina is from March to May or September to November. It will vary depending on what type of outdoor activities you are visiting for.
Budget Friendly? Average. However, with the recent fluctuation in currency, it has become a much more affordable place to travel to.
What We Loved the Most: How breathtaking the Patagonia region was and how easy it was to travel around.
We go in depth on the Top Things To Do in Argentina – here! Check it out.
We love being able to explore the world and witness all of the beauty it has to offer.
As noted, this list includes only 10 of the 35 countries we’ve visited so far; our goal was to provide a mix of options for you to choose from. If the countries you had in mind weren’t included, hold on tight as we will be bringing more lists your way, including some with both of our home countries, Brazil and the Dominican Republic. Until then, we hope this list helps you decide on your next destination.
As always, may The Traveler In Us inspires The Traveler In YOU.”
Which country are you adding to your list? Message us to let us know! And be sure to follow our journey on Instagram @THETRAVELERINUS
Disclaimer: All the information shared is based on our research and experiences. Please note that we are not travel consultants, tour guides, or financial advisors and are not held liable for any misinformation. We give suggestions, but advise each person to do their own research and make the decision that best suits them. This blog posts also contains affiliate links, by using the links we provide you are helping us at no additional cost to you. Photos on this page belong strictly to The Traveler In Us and are not allowed to be saved or used for any reason unless granted permission so by the owners.
