With a world filled with countless breathtaking destinations, it is impossible not to fantasy about your top dream vacation spots. It is so important to analyze your top must-visit destinations to fuel your wanderlust in all the best ways!

That is exactly why we have curated the top 10 dream vacation spots found throughout the world that will completely blow your mind. After careful consideration of top sights, unique cultures, scenic landscapes, tasty cuisine, and other valuable variables, we have compiled this list of the world’s dreamiest places to visit on your upcoming vacation.

French Polynesia

When curating this list, we discovered quite a few islands that are found in French Polynesia were quickly rising on our list of dream vacations.

Thus, French Polynesia became our number one dream vacation spot we want our readers to add to their bucket lists. The few who are able to explore the scenic islands of French Polynesia are often surprised that Tahiti is only one of 118 islands!

While of course, Tahiti is a huge part of this dream vacation spot’s draw, the rest of this country is filled with countless hidden and breathtaking gems for anyone to come and discover. From the gushing waterfalls in Tahiti to the finger-like bays of Moorea to the crystal-blue waters of Bora Bora, you will quickly fall in love with dreamy French Polynesia.

Related: Top Islands in French Polynesia

Machu Picchu, Peru

Known as the standout attraction of the entire South American continent, Machu Picchu deserves a spot on everyone’s dream vacation bucket list!

Right here is where visitors from around the world conglomerate to explore and uncover the ancient mysteries left from the Incan Empire. Make sure to book your stay in nearby Cusco, Peru, and spend a couple of days exploring the town.

This dream vacation spot is located in one of the most affordable South American countries and offers treks up to Machu Picchu for visitors to discover how the ancient Incans lived. Sitting at almost 8,000 feet high in the Andes, Machu Picchu boasts brilliant views of the surrounding landscapes including the scenic Urubamba River located hundreds of feet below.

Related: Most Beautiful Hikes in the World

St Lucia

Overflowing with uniquely luxurious hotels and breathtaking shorelines, you need to add St Lucia to your dream vacation spots bucket list.

Your first beach stop should definitely be Sugar Beach. Nestled between Saint Lucia’s Pitons, this beach is a Hollywood star and superyacht owner favorite. Those looking for further rejuvenation will find it alongside a number of the island’s unspoiled shorelines found at places like Anse Chastanet and Reduit Beach.

If you consider yourself an adventurous traveler, you will love zip lining through the dense Chassin rainforest and climbing the massive Pitons. As an incredibly affordable destination in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is a must-see destination in the world. This dream vacation spot is perfect to visit year-round with visiting in May or June being the most affordable time for budget-conscious travelers.

Related: Caribbean Overwater Bungalows

Santorini

Frequently earning the title of the “top honeymoon destination”, Santorini rightfully earns a spot as one of the top dream vacation spots for your bucket list.

It is no wonder this Greek isle attracts countless newlywed couples every year. With its colorful sunsets, bright white buildings, and breathtaking beaches, Santorini offers visitors coming from around the world loads of attractions and perfect photo-opts. Some cool archaeological sites you will want to discover are the Ancient Akrotiri and the Ancient Thira, which both offer glimpses at the mythological past of Greece.

Active travelers will love the hikes found along the rim of the caldera where they can enjoy breathtaking views of the island. Make sure to book one of the world-renowned Santorini winery tours to truly indulge in the blissful and luxurious lifestyle permeating throughout this fabulous, dream vacation spot.

Related: Cheapest Greek Island

Great Barrier Reef

As the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, it is a no-brainer to give the Great Barrier Reef a spot on your dream vacation bucket list.

The Great Barrier Reef is where you want to be to experience and enjoy some, if not the best SCUBA diving and snorkeling opportunities in the world. Make sure to get your open water certification before you head out to this breathtaking SCUBA sight! If you are not planning to swim in the famous reef, don’t worry. Whether you tour the incredible scenery underwater, from a boat, or from the air, you will experience an epic, once-in-a-lifetime thrill. 

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef consists of more than 600 islands and 1,500 species of fish. With a plethora of exquisite diving and snorkeling spots found along Queensland’s coast, you may also want to check out the surrounding area with an excursion to the nearby Whitsunday Island. This island is one of the top relaxing vacation spots to visit in the springtime! With crystal-blue waters lined with pristine, sandy coastlines, it is no wonder this area of the world made its way onto the list of the top dream vacation spots for your bucket list.

Patagonia

If you consider yourself an adventurous traveler, you are totally going to want to add Argentine Patagonia to your dream vacation spots bucket list.

As another one of South America’s must-see destinations, Patagonia finds itself near the southernmost region of the continent. Now, do not let that scare you away, its uniquely remote location and breathtaking wildlife are exactly why Patagonia is one of the top dream vacation spots. You will quickly be transported into a fantasy world when visiting Southern Patagonia and continue into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Península Valdés.

Here you will find countless endangered species, like the Magellanic penguins freely roaming across the scenic landscape. While in the area, make sure to find your way to one of the unforgettable hikes like the Patagonia W Trek to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime views and discover South American waterfalls on your dream vacation.

Florence

Famously known as the center of the Renaissance era, Florence, Italy is home to numerous unique attractions earning itself a spot on the dream vacation spots list for your Northern Italy bucket list.

There are plenty of world-renowned attractions and things to do in Florence. From the Duomo to the Piazza Della Signoria to Piazzale Michelangelo, you are not going to want to miss what this historic city has to offer.

While you may not be able to check out all the historic sites and Renaissance architecture found in Florence, you will need to prioritize trying out the region’s delicious Tuscan food and award-winning wines. You can find these unique spots amongst Florence’s numerous gelato shops, quirky cafes, and restaurants. For scenic views of the area, cross the Ponte Vecchio to arrive at the Boboli Gardens where you will find panoramic views and colorful gardens.

Bali

Complete with breathtaking beaches and serene temples, Bali also earns a spot on the top dream vacation spots list– filled with plenty of wonderful attractions and activities for any Bali bucket list.

This lush Indonesian paradise is a perfect oasis to guide your own personal enlightenment journey bringing you to total rejuvenation. Check out the area’s popular Monkey Forest park which is a nature reserve where you can enjoy a laid-back afternoon interacting with mischievous long-tailed macaques.

Later, book a famous Balinese massage at one of Asia’s top spa destinations to fully relax on your dream vacation. Also, make sure to check out the area of Kintamani which is home to a ginormous (and active) volcano next to a breathtaking lake. Bali does experience a notoriously wet season, so to avoid the large amounts of rain, plan your dream vacation between the months of April and October. As one of our top spring vacation spots, you totally want to add Bali to your dream vacation bucket list.

Glacier National Park

As one of the most underrated vacation spots in the United States, Glacier National Park offers tons of once-in-a-lifetime sites and experiences for the avid traveler to add to their dream vacation spots bucket list.

Boasting countless snow-capped peaks and azure lakes, Glacier National Park is one of the top National Parks in the United States. Why? Well, this park offers its visitors over 700 miles of hiking trails throughout the great Montana landscape. With 13 designated areas to camp on your vacation, it is super easy to fully experience this dream destination on a budget.

If you are visiting in the winter months, you will enjoy the fun snowshoeing and skiing activities offered in the area. On the other hand, if you are visiting in the summer months, you can go swimming and whitewater rafting in this national park. If you would prefer to see the area from the comfort of your car, make sure to check out the Going-to-the-Sun Road for a scenic drive through the mountains of Glacier National Park.

Thailand

This next vacation spot to add to your dream destination bucket list is a perfect addition for budget-minded travelers.

Phuket is a popular city found in the southern region of Thailand. Here you will find everything from spa treatments to accommodations to boat tours offered at an incredibly low price. While in the area, check out the epic limestone cliffs found at Phang Nga Bay. Layout and relax on some of Thailand’s gorgeous beaches along the shoreline of Phuket.

Another magical experience in this Asian country is the Thailand cherry blossoms. While most people immediately think of Washington DC and Japan when thinking of the beautiful blossoming of cherry blossoms, Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful Wild Himalayan Cherry Trees.

To learn about the spiritual history of Thailand, head over to the Wat Chalong Temple and later the Big Buddha. Thailand also boasts a lively nightlife scene that is truly unique to this region of Asia. For all these reasons and more, Thailand is totally one of the top dream vacation spots to place on your travel bucket list.

Thailand finishes out our curated list of the top dream vacation spots to add to your bucket list!

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