The Ultimate Dream Vacations Bucket List for Couples (and Travel Addicts)

Posted on July 28, 2025 | Julie J. |

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on any of those links and make a purchase, I’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you, to help support this website.

If your idea of romance involves a little more passport stamps and a little less Netflix-and-chill, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, chasing your 30th country together, or just looking for some serious travel inspo to fuel your shared wanderlust, this is the list.

We’re talking overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, glamping under the stars in Namibia, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and soaking in an onsen in snowy Japan. From the bucket-list classics to the dreamy deep cuts, we’ve rounded up the best-of-the-best across all seven continents. Some are spicy, some are sweet, all are unforgettable.

Ready to fall in love with the world—and each other—all over again? Let’s dive in.

HELPFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLIGHT DEALS

HOTEL DEALS

CAR RENTAL

TRAVEL INSURANCE

ACTIVITIES

VACATION RENTALS

HELPFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLIGHT DEALS

HOTEL DEALS

CAR RENTAL

TRAVEL INSURANCE

ACTIVITIES

VACATION RENTALS

North America

Watch the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska
Snuggle up in a glass igloo or hot spring and watch nature’s most magical light show dance above you.
Road trip the Pacific Coast Highway, California
Nothing says romance like coastal cliffs, convertible hair, and stopping for fish tacos with a Pacific sunset backdrop.
Take a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley, California
Float over vineyards at sunrise, then toast with a glass of bubbly—you’re basically in a rom-com.
Explore cenotes near Tulum, Mexico
Swim in crystal-clear sinkholes surrounded by jungle—it’s like a secret lovers’ lagoon.
Stay in a treehouse in British Columbia, Canada
Disconnect from everything (except each other) in a cozy treetop cabin deep in nature.

Sail around the British Virgin Islands
Charter a catamaran, hoist the sails, and channel your inner sun-kissed yacht couple.
Ride horses on the beach in Sayulita, Mexico
Sunset, sand, and slow-motion horseback riding? Total honeymoon energy—even if it’s not.
Get cozy at a log cabin in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Add in some wine, a fireplace, and zero Wi-Fi. Boom: your relationship just leveled up.
Have a spa weekend in Sedona, Arizona
Red rocks, energy vortexes, and couple’s massages—it’s a wellness win and an Instagram dream.
Experience jazz and beignets in New Orleans, Louisiana
Because few things are sexier than live music, powdered sugar kisses, and staying out way too late.

Northern Lights — *Northern lights in Alaska*

South America

Let’s head south—time for some steamy, scenic, and spice-filled experiences in South America perfect for couples with a little wanderlust (and maybe a thing for caipirinhas).

Dance the tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina
It takes two—and there’s no better place to learn (or attempt) the world’s sultriest dance than in its birthplace. Bonus: wine and steak after.
Sail the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Snorkel with sea lions, spot blue-footed boobies, and feel like castaways—only with cocktails and a luxury cabin.
Take a sunrise trek to Machu Picchu, Peru
Nothing says “we’ve been through something together” like hiking to ancient ruins in the clouds. Couple goals: conquered.
Soak in natural hot springs in Termas Geométricas, Chile
Nestled in a lush canyon, these wooden walkways and steamy pools scream “romantic recharge.”
Ride a hot air balloon over the Atacama Desert, Chile
Martian landscapes + one of the clearest skies in the world = a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime float together.

Island-hop in Ilha Grande, Brazil
No roads, no stress—just jungle trails, wild beaches, and fresh seafood for two.
Wine taste in Mendoza, Argentina
Malbec, mountain views, and boutique vineyard stays? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes.
Explore the Amazon Rainforest together (slowly)
Float down river tributaries in a canoe, spot pink dolphins, and listen to the jungle’s soundtrack from a cozy eco-lodge.
Sandboard in Huacachina, Peru
Who knew a desert oasis could be sexy? Ride dunes by day, stargaze from a rooftop by night.
Watch sunset over Rio from Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil
That skyline, that ocean, that golden light—it’s a postcard-perfect moment for two (ideally with a caipirinha in hand).

Europe

Let’s turn up the charm and jet-set to Europe, where cobblestone streets, wine-soaked dinners, and ridiculously romantic views are basically standard. Here are 10 unforgettable couple-friendly bucket list experiences:

Cruise the canals of Venice, Italy
Yes, it’s cliché. Yes, it’s worth it. Gondola rides, secret alley strolls, and late-night gelato—Venice is peak lovers’ fantasy.
Chase the Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland
Snuggle in a glass igloo under a sky lit up like magic. Add in a husky sled ride and you’re officially in a fairy tale.
Road trip through the Scottish Highlands
Winding roads, lochs, castles, and cozy pubs. Channel your inner Outlander, minus the time travel (unless that’s your thing).
Watch the sunset in Santorini, Greece
White-washed villages and blue domes set against the Aegean—this is honeymoon energy, no matter when you visit.
Take a thermal dip in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Warm turquoise waters + icy surroundings = a steamy soak in every sense.

Stay in a countryside château in the Loire Valley, France
Sip wine under chandeliers, cycle past vineyards, and pretend you’re minor royalty for the weekend.
Get lost in Prague’s Old Town
Every corner looks like a fairy tale. Add mulled wine and moonlit walks over Charles Bridge for extra magic.
Go cliffside dining on the Amalfi Coast, Italy
Sea views, lemon everything, and plates of pasta made to be shared (or not—no judgment).
Sleep in a cave suite in Cappadocia, Turkey
Add sunrise hot air balloon rides and you’ve got a fantasy carved straight into stone.
Explore Christmas markets in Germany or Austria
Hand-in-hand under twinkling lights, sipping glühwein and buying ornaments you’ll keep forever—it’s pure holiday romance.

Asia

Let’s head to Asia, where romance meets adventure, street food meets skyline views, and every experience feels like a sensory love letter. From serene temples to tropical beaches, here are 10 bucket list moments for couples ready to fall in love—with the world and each other.

Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Bagan, Myanmar
Float above thousands of ancient temples glowing in the morning mist—pure magic, with zero tourist crowds.
Island-hop through Thailand’s Andaman Sea
From Phi Phi to Railay, it’s white sand, turquoise water, and boat rides that feel like movie scenes.
Ride the world’s most scenic train through Sri Lanka’s hill country
Think tea plantations, jungle valleys, and standing at the open train door with the wind in your hair and your person beside you.
Watch the cherry blossoms bloom in Kyoto, Japan
Springtime strolls under pink petals with matcha lattes and ancient shrines? Yes, please.
Glamp in the desert outside Dubai, UAE
Luxury tents, camel rides at sunset, stargazing in the dunes—it’s Aladdin vibes, with Wi-Fi.

Take a couple’s cooking class in Hoi An, Vietnam
Ride bikes through rice paddies, hit the local market, and learn how to make the best bánh xèo of your life (with extra love).
Explore temples and waterfalls in Ubud, Bali
Yoga, jungle treks, massages for two, and smoothie bowls that look like art—it’s a couples’ wellness dream.
Swim in a private overwater villa in the Maldives
Infinity pools, breakfast floats, and no shoes for a week—romance, but make it barefoot luxury.
Go night kayaking in Palawan, Philippines
Paddle under the stars and watch the water glow with bioluminescence. Yes, that’s a thing. And it’s unreal.
Get lost in the chaos and charm of Old Delhi, India
It’s intense, it’s spicy, it’s unforgettable. Take a tuk-tuk ride, share street food, and embrace the beautiful mayhem together.

Lantern - Hoi An - Vietnam — *Hoi An, Vietnam*

Africa

Let’s keep the globe-trotting love story going—now we’re heading to Africa, where dramatic landscapes, soulful cities, and once-in-a-lifetime moments make for the kind of travel memories you’ll be telling your grandkids (or your group chat) for years.

Go on a luxury safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania
Wake up to elephants wandering past your tent, toast with G&Ts at sunset, and fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. It’s like glamping—if glamping came with zebras.
Watch the sunrise over the Sahara in Morocco
Camel ride into the dunes, sleep under a million stars, and catch the first light hitting endless sand—it’s silence, stillness, and serious romance.
Cruise the Nile River in Egypt on a traditional dahabiya
History, luxury, and adventure all in one slow float—stopping at temples, sipping mint tea, and feeling like Cleopatra (or her very lucky plus one).
Unwind in a cliffside hotel in Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain views, coastal drives, and wine tasting in Stellenbosch. Oh, and penguins. Did we mention the penguins?
Swim in Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls, Zambia
It’s not for the faint of heart—but if your relationship can handle swimming on the literal edge of a waterfall, you’re solid.

Take a dhow sailing trip in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Sail the Indian Ocean on a traditional wooden boat, snorkel in coral reefs, and eat freshly grilled seafood on the beach. Basically, paradise with better spices.
Explore the souks of Marrakech, Morocco
Get lost in the colors, scents, and sounds—then find each other again over rooftop tagine and mint tea as the call to prayer echoes across the city.
Camp beneath the stars in Namibia’s Namib Desert
Golden dunes, surreal landscapes, and zero light pollution—just you two and the universe.
Trek to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda
Locking eyes with a wild gorilla? Life-changing. Doing it with your partner? Next-level bonding moment.
Relax on the beaches of Mauritius
White sand, swaying palms, and resorts that are so good at spoiling you. Honeymoon vibes without the wedding stress.

Oceania – Bucket List Experiences for Couples

Time to hop over to Oceania, where wild landscapes meet total relaxation, and every view looks like a Windows wallpaper. Whether you’re chasing thrills in New Zealand or sipping cocktails in Bora Bora, here are 10 bucket list experiences for couples who want romance and adventure.

Sleep in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Crystal-clear water, private decks, and breakfast delivered by canoe—it’s basically a rom-com, minus the drama.
Road trip New Zealand’s South Island
From snow-capped peaks to glowworm caves, every mile is a jaw-dropper. Add wine tastings, scenic hikes, and hot springs for max romance points.
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Swim through coral kingdoms together, then unwind on the Whitsundays. Love looks good in reef-safe sunscreen.
Watch the stars from Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, NZ
Blankets, thermos, and skies so clear you’ll spot galaxies. Bonus: zero light pollution, maximum snuggles.
Surf and sip in Byron Bay, Australia
Start the day with surf lessons, spend the afternoon at a beachside brewery, and end with sunset yoga. Namaste, lovers.

Take a scenic flight over Heart Reef, Australia
Because nothing says “I heart you” like literally flying over a reef shaped like a heart. Mic drop.
Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves by boat, New Zealand
Float through a cave lit by thousands of tiny blue lights—it’s like sailing under the stars, but underground.
Sail the Yasawa Islands, Fiji
Hop from island to island, snorkel together in warm lagoons, and get greeted by a chorus of “Bula!” at every stop.
Snuggle up in a lakeside cabin in Lake Tekapo, NZ
Peace, quiet, snowy peaks, and a lake that looks like a watercolor painting. Oh, and natural hot springs. Bliss.
Dine barefoot on the beach in Moorea, French Polynesia
Ocean breeze, tiki torches, and French-Polynesian fusion cuisine. It’s dinner, but with major honeymoon energy—even if it’s just a Thursday.

Bonus: Take a bucket list cruise to Antarctica

Sail past icebergs, spot penguins and whales, and step foot on the most remote continent on Earth—together. It’s cold, wild, and absolutely unforgettable. You’ll sip champagne on deck while bundled in parkas, do the polar plunge (scream optional), and earn lifelong bragging rights as a couple who literally went to the edge of the world.

Because let’s be honest: once you’ve hit up the Maldives and Machu Picchu… where else is there to go?

Save it on Pinterest for later: