Published 10th Jun. 2022
Reading time
Celebrating and commemorating incredible feats of human imagination and engineering, the original Seven Wonders of the World have been well-documented throughout history in travel guides, poetry and artwork. However, only one remains; the Great Pyramids of Giza which stand tall and proud at on the west bank of the Nile River and date all the way back to 2561 BCE. Consequently, the compilation of a more modern iteration of this list was initiated in the year 2000, with each of the ‘New Wonders of the World’ still firmly intact and begging to be added to your bucket list. While all of these monuments have certainly earned this accolade, the sheer abundance of wonder that exists in the world is difficult to restrict to just one list and a catalogue of ‘Natural Wonders of the World’ has since joined the rankings. Wondering where to start when it comes to compiling your bucket list? We’re here to help, with some classic contenders and more unusual (yet equally wonderful) offerings.
1
The ancient Incan citadel is Peru’s stunning centrepiece and a worthy Wonder of the World. Over a million visitors make the trek to Machu Picchu annually, along either the ancient and iconic Inca Trail from Cusco or via the lesser-known Salkantay route. The settlement’s intriguing history and soul-stirring archaeology make this a must-see and an obvious addition to every traveller’s bucket-list.
2
Another ancient city for the list, Chichén Itzá is located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, near Valladolid. Built by the Mayans between 600-750 AD, the stepped pyramid of El Castillo (‘The Castle’) is the most well-known of the monuments and is a testament to the civilisation’s extraordinary engineering ability. Tour the various complexes to discover different architectural styles reflecting different periods of development.
3
The last remaining of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest manmade structure in the world for almost 4,000 years. Located on the outskirts of Cairo and serving as the tomb of pharaoh Khufu from the fourth century, the pyramid reflects the grandeur of ancient Egypt and is a must-visit for any avid historian.
4
Heading off-piste from the original list, our next bucket list suggestion may not be one of the official ‘Wonders of the World’ but certainly wouldn’t look out of place among them. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022, Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and one of the last untamed landscapes in the American West. Its geyser basin and hydrothermal features are especially spectacular, with the famed Old Faithful erupting like clockwork every 90 minutes.
5
This archipelago of 18 volcanic islands has been described by Darwin as ‘a little world within itself’, thanks to its extraordinary biodiversity which served as the inspiration for his ground-breaking theory of evolution. The wildlife here certainly steals the limelight; look out for lumbering giant tortoises, sleepy sea lions and salt-encrusted marine iguanas, as well as blue-footed boobies and crimson-chested frigatebirds.
6
Widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary sights on the planet, Swedish Lapland is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis. Watch dancing beams of colourful light illuminate the sky above the snow-dusted expanse and there will be no doubt in your mind that you’re witnessing something truly wondrous. As a natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights are notoriously unpredictable, however the months of February and March are generally considered to be the optimum time to see them.
7
Rounding off the list with another experiential wonder, the Great Wildebeest Migration sees over a million wildebeest crossing the Serengeti and Maasai Mara on an epic 1,000-mile journey. The mighty spectacle is best witnessed between July and October, although the migration doesn’t operate on a strict schedule.
Written by Luisa Watts
Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip
If paradise had a postcode, it would be somewhere on Bali’s coastline. Embraced by the sea on all sides, this Indonesian island is home to a bounty of beautiful beaches. Whether your perfect day means unwinding on the sand with a cocktail and a good book, learning to ride your first wave, exploring Bali’s underwater world, or sampling its lively nightlife, the island offers something for every mood and pace.
29th December 2025 - Indonesia Travel Inspiration
Love it or hate it, winter rolls around every year. So, why not spend this polarizing time on a polarized continent? From skating on the frozen lakes of the Canadian Rockies and crunching through the snow-blanketed plains of Alaska to sampling internationally renowned wines in the vineyards of Northern California and cruising between the laid-back microcosms of The Florida Keys, North America has something for everyone during winter.
24th December 2025 - USA Travel Inspiration
Have you ever felt the urge to hop on a flight after watching a particularly good film? Us too. From settings to storylines, travel and cinema are inextricably linked, taking viewers on a journey through new and exciting destinations. While this has been the case since film’s inception, the connection between the two has grown in recent years, with ‘set-jetting’ (visiting locations featured in films or television) holidays steadily on the rise.
22nd December 2025 - Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
