The Top 10 Dream Vacation Spots for Your 2025 Bucket List

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world, planning your next trip can be overwhelming.

But choosing a destination when there are so many incredible tours to pick from is a challenge.

Will you get closer to culture in a popular destination like Italy? Spend time appreciating nature in America’s national parks? Embark on an adventure in the wilderness through Costa Rica?

The beauty of guided travel is that the details are taken care of, and you just need to decide where you’re going and when.

Here is some inspiration to help you find your next dream trip:

1. Greece

School history and literature classes have left people dreaming of trips to Greece their entire lives.

Picture it: Classical ruins from the legendary days of yore, jaw-dropping landscapes you must see to believe, and philoxenia — the unbeatable hospitality of Greece. From Homer to home-cooked meals, you feta believe an immersive journey to Greece tops our dream trip list.

Another perk? If island living is more your style, there are sunny, seaside days ahead on Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, or Crete.

For a comprehensive tour focusing on some of the historic sites, travelers can look into our Classical Greece tour. Those looking for soaking up the sun beside the Mediterranean will enjoy Greece Island Hopper or the upcoming Gems of Greece tour. Travelers can get the best of both experiences on our Exploring Greece and its Islands tour.

2. Japan

Whether you’re ready to sit down to a plate of freshly rolled sushi, to take in the sites, or to get a deep dive into the local culture with the people who know it best, there’s plenty waiting for travelers in Japan.

Japan’s juxtaposition of ancient and modern draws curious travelers in.

In the same afternoon, you can zip from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo on the Shinkansen bullet train to the peaceful Ise Shrine, where you’ll trade hustle and bustle for serenity, looking up to thatched roofs and raw wood of buildings. And this incredible spirit, so heavily influenced by past and present, can be felt throughout every avenue of Japan’s rich culture.

Cozy up with a cup of green tea and get closer to the Land of the Rising Sun on our Cultural Treasures of Japan or Japan & South Korea: From Tokyo to Seoul tours.

3. Finland

Searching for the northern lights, leading a team of sled dogs, heading out on a reindeer safari, and visiting Santa’s house? Yes, please! One dynamic experience follows another when you choose to journey through Finland.

The Lapland region stretches above the Arctic Circle and offers travelers a blend of natural wonders, traditional Sámi culture, and winter activities. It’s the perfect spot to curl up under the stars in a glass igloo, too!

This destination is perfect for travelers who want to spend some time outdoors and appreciate a wintry adventure. Meet the “Daughter of the Baltic” on our small group Explorations tour The Northern Lights of Finland.

4. Hawaii

This island paradise tops bucket lists everywhere.

Say “aloha” to bright blue skies, sun-drenched beaches, crystal blue waters, the gentle sway of palms, and the sight of a towering volcano in the distance. This is the stuff that dream trips are made of. But beyond that idyllic beach scene, there’s also a rich history and culture to be found across Hawaii’s islands.

You can remember Pearl Harbor with a visit to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. Dive into Hawaiian history with a visit to Iolani Palace to learn about the Hawaiian monarchs and the takeover of Hawaii by the United States. And, of course, feel the Hawaiian spirit as hula dancers join you to demonstrate this ancient art form, originally performed for the volcano goddess Pele.

Experience the Aloha State on our Hawaiian Adventure or Grand Hawaiian Adventure tours.

5. Italy

While Italy is known for its unmatched food and wine, it offers countless treasures beyond the dinner table. While the food is absolutely phenomenal, Italy is teeming with historic treasures, natural wonders, cultural delights, and legendary cities aplenty.

With so many reasons to visit, the biggest challenge is not going to be choosing to go, but pinning down where to go first.

Italy is for foodies, for history buffs, for cultural connoisseurs, for fashionistas, for art lovers, for first-time travelers and 10th-time visitors. Between mountains and islands, bustling piazzas and calm farm wineries, there is truly something for everyone in Italy. But how will you experience it?

Collette offers comprehensive Italy tours that feature must-sees, regional destination spotlights, small group Explorations that bring you beyond the guidebook, and even faith-based tours to this popular destination. All that’s left to do is choose the trip that’s right for you.

6. Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands captivate the imaginations of travelers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts.

This remote and pristine destination offers a unique blend of natural wonders, wildlife experiences, and scientific significance. Travel here lends the opportunity to experience a truly unique and relatively untouched natural world.

Imagine witnessing ethereal wildlife that you can’t find anywhere else in the world settled along Eden-like islands. This is the place where Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was born.

And if you’re going all that way, you should really experience this eco-adventure in style. Did we mention there’s a 4-night cruise aboard a personal yacht?

Unlock the mysteries of the islands’ amazing marine animals, and regale in stories about Darwin’s historic voyage on a journey specially curated just for small groups. Our tour Machu Picchu & Galapagos Wonders features a 4-night cruise aboard a personal yacht, and it’s is what dreams are made of.

7. America’s National Parks

The colorful canyons and vibrant vistas of the West are a unique piece of the tapestry of the United States that can’t be missed. We constantly hear from travelers that it was more beautiful than they imagined. Some words we hear often? “Breathtaking,” “unbelievable,” and “spectacular.”

The vast, 227-mile-long Grand Canyon has been millions of years in the making, and earns its distinction as a natural world wonder. And it’s a top bucket list item that draws travelers out West. But the otherworldly scenery is around every corner in this corner of America.

Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks often end up being the highlight of people’s trips.

Bryce is famous for its ethereal spires. These rock formations, created over thousands of years by wind and water, display natural orange and red hues that contrast with the deep green forests in the park.

In sheer magnitude and color, few places on Earth match the beauty of Zion National Park. Marvel at red and white sandstone cliffs and take your time; it pays to take a full day to explore Utah’s first national park.

For nature lovers, there’s no place quite like this. And you really have to see it to believe it on our Canyon Country tour.

8. Australia & New Zealand

From those iconic destinations like the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Opera House to immersive cultural experiences, there are countless reasons to book that dream tour to Australia and New Zealand. And after a long trek to this dream destination, you deserve to see the must-sees and venture off the usual path to discover the real Australia and New Zealand.

In New Zealand, delve into the rich Māori history, and enjoy local flavors through a unique Hangi lunch cooked beneath the earth. The Māori culture, deeply rooted in these lands for over a thousand years, offers a living connection to ancient traditions and wisdom.

In Australia, savor dinner under the stars and take in Uluru – a red rock formation that also stands part of the cultural landscape that holds many sacred sites and stories. Pair that with a trip to the iconic must-sees for a fuller experience.

From sparkling coastlines to age-old traditions, take in the natural beauty and engaging society of these captivating countries on our Australia & New Zealand Uncovered tour.

9. France

Exclusive film festivals, major sporting events, Fashion Week, extravagant venues, immaculate beaches, and luxury brand flagship stores, ooh la la.

France has historically been home to the finer things in life, so you never know who you may catch a glimpse of on your own glam getaway. From the Lost Generation of famous artists like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Pablo Picasso living their best lives in Paris in the 1920s, to the Hollywood stars of the 1950s like Audrey Hepburn and Marlon Brando vacationing on the Riviera, and the Real Housewives scoping out Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, “France” and “VIP” have been synonymous through the ages.

From the glamorous French Riviera to chic, metropolitan Paris, achieve those champagne wishes and caviar dreams on tour in France.

10. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American country, located on a strip of land between the Pacific and the Caribbean. It is beloved for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and fascinating wildlife.

Local experts bring this destination to life on Collette tours.

Our whole Tour Management team in this destination is made up of naturalist guides and are certified as such by their government.

Whether they’re providing tips on what foods to try, explaining a cultural difference, or helping you identify the wildlife you see along away, these Tour Managers are your local insiders. They are all Costa Rican residents, and they love sharing their home and pura vida culture with you.

Meaning “the pure life,” or “the simple life,” this phrase is also sometimes a greeting and the answer to “how are you?” All paths in Costa Rican culture lead to this peaceful, relaxed philosophy.

Ready to find your pura vida? Choose from one of our two tours to Costa Rica.

Need Help Planning Your Dream Vacation?

There is so much to see and experience in the world, and your dream vacation shouldn’t be bogged down with planning.

When you book a Collette tour, the only thing to worry about is making sure you’re enjoying the ride. Our carefully curated and expertly led trips are designed with travelers in mind.

When you are ready to make your dream trip a reality, we’ll handle the details.

When you’re ready to book your tour, call us or see your travel professional and ask for Collette.