Bucket List Holidays

One of the world's most mesmerizing and elusive natural phenomena, spotting the Aurora Borealis is firmly at the top of winter bucket lists. The slithers of green, blue and purple light dancing across the night sky have been the source of wonder for thousands of years. An isolated spot outside of Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is one of the world's finest places to observe this impressive spectacle. Hike, horse ride, discover hidden caves and take a refreshing dip in the Blue Lagoon.

Surrounded by dramatic forest-clad peaks and vertiginous valleys, Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of ancient architecture, a mysterious and majestic wonder that rises proudly from the jungle. Whether you arrive on foot via the iconic Inca Trail or in style on the luxurious Inca Rail train, your first sight of the magnificent ruins will stay with you long after your return home. Marvel at the impressive Inca stonework and explore the many agricultural terraces that cascade down the mountainside.

Going in search of bears is one of the most epic wildlife adventures imaginable. Spotting one of these majestic and powerful creatures in the wild is a thrilling and humbling experience. Without a doubt our favorite place to spot bears is British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province. A thrilling wilderness filled with soaring mountains, thick forest and peaceful waterways, you can combine your hunt for bears with world-class whale watching off the coast, all while you relax in style in a luxury bear lodge.

A frozen wilderness at the end of the earth, the sheer size and scientific significance of Antarctica exceeds all expectations. Measuring 5.5 million square miles and covered in ice that in places can be over a mile thick, a journey to the hauntingly beautiful Antarctica promises an experience like no other. Embark on an expedition cruise with a specialist crew to uncover the secrets of this wild frontier and elevate your experience with a kayaking adventure or night camping on the ice.

For a show-stopping adventure that will live forever in your memory, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of our top picks. Trekking through dense forest and coming face to face with mountain gorillas in the wild is an utterly enchanting experience quite unlike anything else in the world. Watch mothers relaxing on beds of fern, laughing youngsters swinging between branches and a huge male silverback munching on bamboo. To top it off, your base will be a luxurious lodge deep in the wild.