23 dream holidays to tick off your bucket list
Dream holidays take you to the breathtaking places you've seen in magazines and on social media but have always wanted to experience for yourself.
They're ideal for ticking amazing places off your bucket list as you witness rare events, encounter exotic wildlife, experience natural phenomena, and visit heavenly destinations all over the world.
To help you plan your next dream holiday, we thought we'd bring you some of the most incredible ideas for this year and next.
Our carefully curated selection offers one-of-a-kind, exclusive holidays and gives you the chance to travel all around the world with like-minded Good Housekeeping readers - as well as a few of your favourite celebrities and experts.
Whether your dream holiday involves an adventurous cruise, an iconic railway journey, or enchanting cities, we’ve definitely got something for you.
From seeing Japan during its picture-perfect cherry blossom season to gliding through Scotland's Hollywood-worthy scenery on a steam train, these are the places to tick off your holiday wish list.
1. Glide through the Rocky Mountains on the Rocky Mountaineer
Canada's Rocky Mountains make a truly bucket list holiday destination, thanks to their astounding scenery of jagged peaks, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls. The Rockies' natural beauty can best be seen in the National Parks of Banff, Jasper, and Yoho, which are all home to abundant wildlife and great opportunities for scenic walks, making them an unforgettable destination for adventurous, nature-loving travellers.
Join Good Housekeeping for a fantastic tour of the Rockies with three nights in beautiful Banff, where you'll venture into the Banff and Yoho National Parks for a full-day tour with an expert guide, learning more about these unique natural landscapes. A highlight of the trip will be a ride aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the world's great train rides.
The train weaves its way through the Canadian wilderness, including beautiful mountain passes, serene lake shores, winding river canyons and pristine forests until you reach Vancouver, where you'll set sail on an epic seven-night cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage, witnessing more jaw-dropping North American scenery.
2. Search for tigers in India's Ranthambore National Park and tour the Golden Triangle
Another dream holiday for any wildlife lover is a trip to the exquisite Ranthambore National Park in North India’s Rajasthan state, which is one of the best places in the world to observe tigers in their natural habitat. Seeing these magnificent creatures in the jungle is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
While in India, why not combine your trip to the jungle with a tour of India's Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra? Each city shows aspects of India's rich cultural heritage, from the buzzing streets of Delhi to the colourful palaces and vibrant markets of Jaipur and the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra.
You'll see all of this and more on Good Housekeeping's two-week Indian adventure. Start your trip with a tour of the Golden Triangle, before heading into the heart of Ranthambore National Park to venture into the jungle on safaris, searching for the elusive Bengal tiger with the company of an expert naturalist.
3. Cruise along the Danube and see the Lipizzaners with Lucy Worsley
A cruise along the mighty Danube makes a dream holiday for anyone with an interest in the art, music and culture of central Europe. This grand river flows through Germany, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, among others, with quaint villages and stately cities along its banks, including Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, all bursting with culture.
You'll discover these three fabulous cities on our cruise with historian Lucy Worsley. There will be guided walks, evening entertainment and plenty of on-shore excursions so you can get to know these beautiful cities, and you'll also sail through the rural Wachau Valley, with its lush landscapes dipping into the Danube.
An extra-special excursion will be to the Spanish Riding School at the Royal Lipizzaner Stables in Vienna, where you'll get an insight into the training work of the riders with their regal Lipizzaner stallions.
4. Glide through the Swiss Alps by first-class rail
For lovers of rail travel, a trip through the Swiss Alps by train is a true dream holiday. The country's rail network is not only comfortable and reliable, but will also treat you to some of the finest mountain views in all of Europe.
From the sublime beauty of Lake Geneva to the lofty peaks of the Bernina Mountains, Switzerland has so much natural beauty to boast about, and towering above it all is Europe's most iconic peak; the mighty Matterhorn.
On Good Housekeeping's luxurious Swiss holiday, you'll see all that this small, landlocked country has to offer courtesy of the Swiss rail network, travelling independently on first-class rail and staying in five-star hotels. Enjoy a ride to Zermatt along the shore of Lake Geneva, take in views of the Matterhorn from the carriages of the Gornergrat Railway, and glide through the Alps on the Glacier Express, one of the world's most extraordinary rail journeys.
5. See the prettiest Christmas market along the banks of the Rhine
When the cold weather arrives, what's better than planning a trip to a fairtyale Christmas market? It's a great way to get your Christmas shopping started as you wander from one wooden stall to another, smelling the scents of gingerbread and glühwein in the air and picking up unique, handcrafted gifts.
Some of Europe's best festive markets can be found along the Rhine. There's Frankfurt, with its towering Christmas tree, Cologne, whose market is right next to its famous cathedral, and Koblenz, which is home to one of the largest seasonal markets in the Rhineland.
You'll visit all of these delightful markets on Good Housekeeping's Christmas cruise along the Rhine. Also on the itinerary is lovely Mainz, one of the oldest cities in Germany, where you'll visit its historic Christmas market on the Domplatz, set against a backdrop of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral. You'll be sailing on the stylish A-ROSA Aqua, where everything you need is right at your fingertips, including a spa and multiple dining options
6. Stay on the banks of Lake Maggiore and explore Italy's northern lakes
Italy’s northern lakes are a holiday destination for anyone after a touch of glamour, with their dreamy views, opulent villas and enchanting gardens all set against a backdrop of snow-topped mountain peaks.
From the glittering Lake Como, which has inspired musicians and poets for centuries; the heavenly Lake Orta, with its atmospheric 14th-century village of Orta San Giulio; and Lake Maggiore, where tranquil waters reflect forest-clad hillsides and colourful oleanders, it's no wonder these lakes have been a dream holiday spot since Roman times.
If a dream lakeside holiday is on your bucket list, join Good Housekeeping's nine-day tour of the northern Italian lakes and Swiss Alps. You'll be based in Stresa, a quintessential Italian town on the banks of Lake Maggiore, from where you'll explore Lakes Como and Orta, the Borromean Islands and several medieval villages, and ride on the Centovalli Railway into the Alps.
7. Taste wines and try grape treading along the beautiful Douro River
Portugal’s Douro Valley is an incredibly picturesque wine-producing region. Its sweeping, sun-kissed hills make it a dream holiday destination for any wine lover. If you visit in September or October, you will arrive in the middle of the harvest season. You’ll find there’s a festive atmosphere in the hills, with live music playing through the night in the quintas (historic Portuguese wine estates).
Taking a cruise along the Douro River allows you to fully immerse yourself in the wine culture, stopping off at vineyards to sample the finest port wines. If you travel in the autumn months, you can even get involved in the harvest yourself by taking part in the traditional grape treading, where fresh grapes are trampled underfoot in a juicing ceremony that dates back centuries - it's a fun and satisfying experience.
Good Housekeeping has an eight-day Douro cruise that will take you to a picturesque quinta where you can try grape treading yourself. You’ll also stop off in buzzing Porto to sample more wine and admire the elegant architecture.
8. Soak up the romance of Venice and meet James Martin
One of the world's most romantic cities, Venice is a classic European hotspot. The enchanting destination is one every Italophile needs to visit at least once. There's St Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge and much more to explore. Foodies will be in their element with a visit to the Rialto food market, and if you're looking to get out of the centre, you can venture to the islands of Burano and Murano to discover their colourful architecture.
Top chef James Martin is joining Good Housekeeping readers on a boutique food-themed cruise around Venice, where he will give a private talk and host an onboard cooking demonstration. During the trip you’ll sail in luxury and style on S.S. La Venezia, with gourmet meals and unlimited premium drinks included as you visit the major sights of Venice as well as Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello, Chioggia, and Murano.
Alternatively, you might prefer to join Good Housekeeping's music-themed Venice cruise with Russell Watson, which includes an exclusive intimate performance from the world-renowned tenor and seven nights on board a luxury river ship.
Another wonderful option is an eight-day sailing through the Venetian Lagoon with visits to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. You'll get VIP access to Doge's palace during an early morning visit and witness an atmospheric lighting ceremony at St Mark’s Basilica.
9. Ride the Bernina Express through Switzerland's epic mountains
Anyone in search of a dream train journey needn't look further than the stunning Swiss and Italian Alps, where the Bernina Express awaits. The Bernina Express runs from Chur and St Moritz in the east of Switzerland, before crossing the border of north Italy and heading to the quaint village of Tirano. It's one of the best train journeys in the world and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The four-hour train ride chugs through 55 tunnels, over 196 bridges and takes in three of Switzerland's four language regions. Some of the incredible experiences along the route include travelling across the incredible UNESCO-protected Landwasser Viaduct.
If you want to see views of glorious glaciers, dramatic mountains and breathtaking lakes for yourself, join Good Housekeeping's exclusive Swiss holiday. The trip includes a ride on the Bernina Express, a stay on the shores of northern Italy’s Lake Como and a day in charming St Moritz.
10. Discover the ancient archaeological treasures of Jordan
Jordan is a real treasure trove of ancient archaeological wonders and captivating landscapes. It's home to the magnificent Nabatean city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Petra is carved into the towering pink sandstone cliffs, and wandering along the canyon leading to the entrance of the 'Rose City' is a truly unforgettable experience.
Aside from Petra, Jordan boasts natural wonders, like the Wadi Rum desert, whose ethereal landscapes look straight out of a sci-fi film (and in fact, has appeared as a filming location for many).
Visit Jordan with Good Housekeeping on a special women-only trip and you can see Petra and Wadi Rum, as well as the historical settlements of Amman and the Dead Sea, where you'll spend two relaxing days enjoying the pristine beaches and floating on the salty and buoyant lake.
You'll spend several hours traversing the awe-inspiring landscapes of Wadi Rum on a 4x4 tour, before spending the night in a traditional Bedouin desert camp - a truly immersive experience and a great way to fully appreciate the beauty of this desert wilderness and its starry skies.
11. Travel through the Scottish Highlands like Harry Potter and meet Kirsty Wark
If you're looking for a staycation like nothing else, a trip to Scottish Highlands offers all the goods. Here, you can take to the spectacular 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was a location of the Harry Potter films and take in the impressive sight of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, as you ride the Jacobite, one of the greatest railway journeys in the world.
The Highlands make for a great spot to experience Britain's wild beauty and Good Housekeeping's dream holiday in July 2024 is one way to see its glorious scenery on the steam train ride of your childhood dreams.
You’ll ride the famous Fort William to Mallaig line through rugged mountains, past sea and inland lochs and onto the shores of the Atlantic at Mallaig, where you can make a pitstop for local seafood or fish and chips. Making a special appearance is Scottish broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who'll give a talk and Q&A and join you on board the Jacobite.
12. Discover the wildlife and glorious gardens of the Isles of Scilly
These pristine islands 28 miles from the coast of Cornwall are a brilliant destination for wildlife lovers. The largest island of the Isles of Scilly, St Mary’s, is where the majority of the 2,200 Scillonians live, and can be easily reached by ferry from Penzance.
The second largest island, Tresco, is famed for its dramatic headlands, quiet beaches and historical forts, plus the outstanding Tresco Abbey Garden, the South West’s answer to Kew. There are over 450 species of seabirds, waders and migrants to be spotted on the island throughout the year, and in the autumn you might be lucky enough to spot Atlantic grey seal pups.
Good Housekeeping has a fascinating tour of the Isles of Scilly which includes dinner and a talk from the Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Julian Branscombe.
13. Take in the beauty of Japan's cherry blossom season on a cruise
A floral wonder that only occurs for a few weeks each spring, the Japanese cherry blossom season is a travel bucket list must-have for any nature-loving globetrotter. Its sheer beauty is something that you may have seen in pictures, but you can only truly appreciate it by being there.
In the capital, Tokyo, there’s plenty of opportunity to see the cherry blossom, or ‘sakura’, in the lovely parks which can be found among soaring skyscrapers. But you’ll want to make sure to travel around the country to get the fully floral experience.
On Good Housekeeping's 17-day cruise of Japan you can see the stunning blooms in Tokyo, Osaka, Kochi, Niigata and more. You'll have plenty of time to take in all the culture, tick the highlights off your list and even venture to Busan in South Korea to explore more of Asia's beautiful nature, nightlife, sandy beaches, hot springs and temples.
14. Celebrate Madeira's colourful flower festival
The Portuguese island of Madeira is known as ‘the floating garden of the Atlantic’, and if you visit you’ll soon see why. This lovely island in the North Atlantic is a paradise for anyone who loves flowers. The best time to visit is in late spring, when the Madeira Flower Festival takes place, and the island’s fabulous gardens are in full bloom.
During the exciting festival, everything in Madeira is about flowers, and the streets of the island's capital Funchal are filled with colours and scents from floral floats. Parades and performances take place daily as island residents and visitors celebrate the beauty of the island in bloom.
Visit with Good Housekeeping for 2025’s Flower Festival and you’ll visit several of Madeira's renowned gardens including the Botanical Gardens and Palheiro Gardens, as well as enjoying the parades, performances and flower sculptures in the streets of Funchal.
15. Glide through the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express
If you don't have the time or energy to travel across the world to experience a dream holiday, there's good news - you don't have to. Just a short hop away in Switzerland, you can ride an iconic red train that makes its way through stunning forests, Alpine valleys and over stunning bridges.
Known as the slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express offers a magical break. It's wonderful in autumn, when you can see the changing colours of the seasons and witness the natural beauty of the Alps, and in spring, when the valleys are lush with green and pretty flowers dot the mountains with colour.
On Good Housekeeping's terrific five-day trip to Switzerland you'll ride the Glacier Express, explore the underrated city of Bern and enjoy a tranquil lake cruise.
16. Cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong River
The incredible Mekong is one of the world's great rivers, winding almost 5,000 kilometres from its source on the Tibetan Plateau in China to the Mekong Delta. One of the most scenic stretches runs through Cambodia and Vietnam, meandering through sleepy fishing villages and lush green paddy fields, past elaborate temples and through Cambodia's frenetic capital, Phnom Penh.
Joining a cruise along the Mekong is one of the best ways to discover the archaeological wonders and turbulent history of these two captivating countries. On a Mekong cruise you can see the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat, glide through the delta on a traditional wooden boat called a sampan, and learn about the harrowing and brutal history of the Khmer Rouge and the infamous Killing Fields in Phnom Penh.
Good Housekeeping has a very special 17-day adventure through Cambodia and Vietnam which includes a seven-night cruise on the Mekong. You'll be staying in a Luxury Balcony suite on the Mekong Jewel, a luxurious and ornately-decorated ship with two dining venues, a swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room, two lounges and a library.
17. Sleep in a hotel carved entirely out of ice in Transylvania
Transylvania is a rugged Romanian region famed for its imposing Gothic castles, atmospheric beech forests and towering mountains. The Carpathian Mountains, which separate Transylvania from the rest of the country, offer majestic snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys to explore.
Dotted among these mountainous landscapes are cobble-stoned mediaeval villages and several historic castles, including Bran Castle, and imposing fortress that's said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Good Housekeeping has a special trip to Transylvania where you can spend one night in the magical Hotel of Ice, a unique hotel which is carved every year entirely of snow and ice blocks taken from a glacial lake in the Fagaras Mountains.
While here, you can try your hand at various snow sports and winter activities, like snow rafting or hiking, or simply kick back with a hot drink and enjoy the scenery. The trip will also take you to beautiful Bucharest and Bran Castle, where you'll discover the mysterious and ominous history of this intriguing monument.
18. Spot incredible wildlife on safari in Kenya and stay on the Mombasa coast
Kenya is a dream for wildlife lovers, with its famous national parks and pristine stretches of untouched coastline. It's one of the best places to go on safari, giving you a chance to spot magnificent creatures including leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and crocodiles, plus a whole host of spectacular bird life.
Equally lovely is the country's Mombasa Coast, famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. It's the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing on the beach after an exhilarating safari.
On Good Housekeeping's excellent Kenya tour, you'll enjoy multiple game drives into the heart of Tsavo West and Amboseli National Parks and get the chance to observe hippos from an underwater hide at Mzima Springs - a truly unforgettable experience.
After five nights in luxury safari lodges in the National Parks, you'll switch your safari gear for beachwear, heading for the pristine sands of the Mombasa North, and checking into Voyager Beach Resort, set right on the seafront.
19. Hear the sounds and discover the musical legacy of the Deep South
A tour of the USA's Deep South is a dream for any fan of country music, rock 'n' roll, jazz or blues. This part of the States is renowned for its rich musical heritage, which has echoed around the world, inspiring musicians for decades.
Some of the musical highlights are New Orleans, aka The Big Easy, with its iconic French Quarter where sidewalks are flanked with colourful houses and where the sound of live jazz fills the air, Tupelo, where Elvis Presley was born, and Nashville, the home of country music.
You'll visit all of the above and more on Good Housekeeping's tour of the Deep South. The trip includes two nights staying in The Guest House at Graceland, just a few steps from Elvis' famous home, last recording studio and final resting place, which you'll have a chance to visit.
FIND OUT MORE
20. Hunt for the Northern Lights in Norway's Arctic Circle
Norway is a magnet for those who love exploring the wonders of the natural world and getting off the beaten path. Adventurers will find otherworldly landscapes of glistening fjords carved by ancient glaciers nestled among majestic, snow-capped mountains.
Making these landscapes even more captivating is the chance to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis in the skies above them. In certain parts of the country, at the right time of year, the Northern Lights are almost guaranteed to make an appearance.
Good Housekeeping has a 12-day expedition cruise of Norway, where you'll cruise through some of the country's most captivating landscapes, sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains. combining stargazing and wildlife spotting opportunities, travelling north into Norway's romantic wildernesses.
A real highlight will be crossing the Arctic Circle, and sailing Norway's northernmost waters, where your chances of spotting the dazzling Aurora Borealis during winter are very high.
21. Island-hop around the gloriously green Azores archipelago
The verdant Azores islands really are like something out of a dream, with their sweeping volcanic craters filled with lush flora and fauna. The islands of São Jorge, Faial and Pico form a triangle that's particularly rich in natural beauty and local culture, from the mighty volcanic Caldeira of Faial to the greenery of Sete Fontes Forest Park on Sao Jorge and the many welcoming local villages where you can enjoy handicrafts and traditional cooking.
Join Good Housekeeping's ten-night island-hopping tour of the Azores and you'll see the best for these paradise isles. You'll have the chance to hike to Caldeira do Santo Cristo, a vast volcano crater, rich in geological formations and visit Portugal's longest lava tube on the island of Pico.
There'll be free time to explore the islands at your own pace too, perhaps joining a dolphin or whale-spotting boat tour to see the rich marine life in the waters surrounding the archipelago.
22. Sail to Antarctica on an icy expedition cruise with an expert team
Antarctica is a truly unique continent, with its expansive, uninhabited landscapes, harsh climate, drifting icebergs, and captivating wildlife. It never fails to inspire visitors, but you can only visit as a tourist on special expedition trips, where you'll be in the safe hands of experts who know these extreme terrains like the back of their hands.
Good Housekeeping is offering a very special opportunity to visit the White Continent on an expedition cruise. You'll first fly to Buenos Aires, where you'll have a couple of days to explore this exciting South American capital, before heading down to Ushuaia and setting sail for Antarctica.
As you glide through the icy waters of the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, you'll gaze out at seas that are home to pods of orcas and seals. While in Antarctica, your expedition team will lead ice-cruising and landings at every opportunity to go ashore and explore the impressive landscapes.
23. See the works of Vermeer and the Dutch Masters with Andrew Graham-Dixon
Another unmissable holiday for any lovers of European art is a trip to the Netherlands to see the work of the Dutch masters. A visit to Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum gives you the chance to see its exceptional 8,000-strong collection of artworks, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer's The Milkmaid and Woman Reading a Letter.
You'll visit this excellent museum and others on our exclusive six-day tour with the company of top art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon, who's an expert on Vermeer. As well as the Rijksmuseum, you'll pay an exclusive visit to the Mauritshuis in The Hague, where Andrew will join you for a special talk in the Vermeer Room, before you explore the rest of the museum with a local expert guide.
Looking for inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.
You Might Also Like
