2023 is the year of the bucket list trip, and if you’re still on the fence about where to go this summer, we’ve got a great list of underrated bucket list destinations for you.
We know that while you may have big travel dreams, not all places are within reach. We also know that many of us eager explorers out there are interested in checking out places that aren’t topping everybody’s must-see lists. After all, the world is huge and there are huge benefits to exploring somewhere new. Oftentimes, the not-so-well-known destinations tend to be cheaper and less crowded, offering a unique travel experience.
Here at Skyscanner, we’re looking out for you. We know all you want to do is pack up, book the flight, and go, so we took care of the rest. We used our data to find some of Canada’s most-searched bucket list places and scoured the web for cheaper and more exciting travel alternatives for July and August. Ready to see what we’ve put together?
Underrated trips for your bucket list
Like Seoul? Try Busan
Best bucket list destination in Asia for seafood lovers and city slickers
The beautiful seaside city of Busan, South Korea is a definite bucket list trip. A little warmer than the capital city of Seoul, more affordable, and way more laid back, Busan is known for its gorgeous urban beaches, loads of markets and museums (check out the Museum of Contemporary Art for some interesting exhibitions), an annual film festival every October, and dozens of temples to discover. Plus, travellers here can find amazing (and cheap) local food around just about every corner.
Busan is big but easy to get around — multiple busses and an effective subway system that’s also in English make roaming the city fun and accessible. When in Busan, seafood is a must. Take a walk along any boardwalk and you’ll come across a wide selection of street food stalls and restaurants.
For more bucket list experiences in Busan, head to Gwangan-li Beach and admire the Diamond Bridge morning or night, get lost in the alleyways of the Seomyeon district, and get yourself to the northern end of the city and hike up to Beomeosa Temple. Feeling tired and needing a reset? Visit one of the best Korean spas in the world: Spa Land, located next to Shinsegae Centum City.
Like Bangkok? Try Hanoi
Best bucket list trip in Asia for authentic culture and rubbing shoulders with locals
Thailand is a definitely must-visit bucket list trip for many people, but Vietnam often gets left behind. Plan a trip to the country’s capital for an intense dive straight into Southeast Asian culture and you might never want to leave.
Vietnam’s northern capital city of Hanoi has an incredible street food scene that’s comparable to Bangkok, and, if you can believe it, it’s even more budget-friendly. The city has been growing a lot in recent years, with new developments and skyscrapers changing its skyline radically. However, the history of the place is as visible as ever: take a visit to the Presidential Palace or the Duong Lam Ancient Village.
Hanoi is easily walkable, but if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a motorbike and go for a ride!
Like Istanbul? Try Izmir
Best bucket list trip for beaches and culinary explorations
If your heart is set on Turkey but you don’t want to deal with too many crowds in Istanbul, take a visit to the Anatolian city Izmir. Located right along the Aegean coastline, stunning Izmir offers a ton of typical Turkish culture with a heaping serving of beachside fun. Izmir is one of the top cities to visit in the country, and for good reason. With a blend of both urban sites, perfect weather year-round, and gorgeous beaches near the city, what else could you want?
Into history? Visit the Konak Square or Agora Open Air Museum. Feeling peckish? Enjoy some traditional Turkish food and famed Izmir street meats such as kokoreç, a type of offal with lamb or goat intestines, or söğüş, made with sheep’s cheek and more.
Like Cairo? Try Amman
Best bucket list trip for serious historians and amateur archeologists
Still working on that travel bucket list? Make sure to add Amman. This is the capital of Jordan, a welcoming and often forgotten Middle Eastern country that’s great for newcomers to this part of the world.
This fascinating city is actually the world’s oldest consistently inhabited city, having first been founded in 7250 BCE. Today, Amman is a modern destination with world-class amenities and offerings that are easily accessible to travellers. It’s full of historic attractions and ruins from ancient and Roman times, a unique Middle Eastern culture, and, of course, food. Visit the Amman Citadel, the Roman Temple, the Nymphaeum fountain, and more.
Of course, when in Jordan, you can’t miss a trip to Petra. A bus trip to the ancient city takes around four hours from Amman. Make sure you book the Jordan Pass before you go and save some money on your visit.
Disclaimer: These alternative destination suggestions have been provided with a look at the average flight prices for July and August 2023 and have been determined to be cheaper at the time of publication. However, flight prices change often and may vary.
Not into any of the above? These last two bucket list trip ideas will knock your socks off.
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Yep, we’re staying local for this one. Churchill is a very northern city in Canada, only about 140 km away from the Nunavut border and located just off the western shores of the Hudson Bay. It’s known as the polar bear AND the beluga whale capital of the world, as these beautiful creatures make their way to the shores of Churchill during the summer and autumn months. In the summer, the sun never sets here, making it one of those northern destinations that’s bright all day long. Getting here can be a bit complicated as there are no roads, but it’s serviced by planes and trains, so pick your favourite mode of transport and get going.
Talk about a unique travel (and quintessentially Canadian!) bucket list experience.
Amrum, Germany
Bet you didn’t know that Germany has a series of charming islands located on its North Sea coast. Visit Amrum for a lesser-known bucket list trip that’ll have your friends and family overflowing with questions. Known for its unique culture and white sand beaches, Amrum is also a water sports lover’s paradise and a hiker’s dream. Take a bit ride through Nebel to see some old thatched-roof houses, and hike to the end of Leit- und Quermarkenfeuer Norddorf for a breathtaking view.
Looking for more travel hacks? Our Summer Hub is here to guide you through anything and everything travel, from grabbing the best flight deals for this busy season to long-weekend getaway ideas.
Feeling inspired? Explore everywhere.
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