22 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 and 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 an exclusive performance from Russell Watson
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 Good Housekeeping's Danube cruise, along with other atmospheric cities and towns like Linz, Passau and Dürnstein. Dürnstein is known as one of the prettiest towns along the Wachau Valley, and it's here that you'll attend an intimate concert with virtuoso Russell Watson, who'll be celebrating his Silver Anniversary.
More cultural highlights await in Vienna with an unforgettable Mozart and Strauss concert and the chance to join a guided 'Morning with the Masters' tour at the Vienna Art History Museum.
4. 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 fairytale 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 pre-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
5. Enjoy the lakeside views on a tour of northern Italy
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.
Glittering Lake Garda, is the largest of Italy's lakes and offers fjord-like landscapes along its mountain-fringed north and sun-kissed, rolling plains to the south. The elegant towns along its banks are characterised by narrow, winding streets with oleanders, palms, olive and lemon trees growing in gardens of stately villas and traditional restaurants.
If a dream lakeside holiday with a touch of culture is on your bucket list, join Good Housekeeping's seven-night tour of the northern Italian lakes and Swiss Alps. You'll be based in a lakeside hotel on Lake Garda, from where you'll explore the nearby town of Limone and enjoy day trips to nearby Venice and Verona.
6. 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'll sample local wines. You’ll also explore the elegant Mateus Palace and stop off in buzzing Porto to sample more wine and admire the elegant architecture.
7. Soak up the romance of Venice and meet top chefs
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.
Another wonderful option is an eight-day sailing through the Venetian Lagoon with Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett. Enjoy visits to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello with out-of-hours access to Doge's palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Angela will join you on a tour of the Rialto food market, before hosting an exclusive onboard cooking demonstration and answering some of your questions.
8. 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. You'll be based in enchanting Colico on the shores of Lake Como in a 19th-century hotel. You'll enjoy a ride on the iconic Bernina to St Moritz as well as a cruise across Lake Como.
9. Travel through the Scottish Highlands like Harry Potter and meet Carol Kirkwood
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 Highlands holiday 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 weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who'll give an exclusive talk and Q&A and join you on board the Jacobite.
10. 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.
11. Discover the gourmet highlights of Bordeaux on a river cruise
With its fairytale chateaux, delectable wines and enthralling scenery, Bordeaux is a near-perfect spot for a wine tasting holiday. Here, you can sample the finest clarets, sip wine as you sample oysters - which the region is famous for - and go on exciting excursions to the many inviting food markets, where you can taste the freshest of local produce.
You might also be tempted to discover the region’s rich history, with a trip to the UNESCO-listed citadel in Blaye, the mysterious underground catacombs of Saint-Émilion, or Libourne's Gothic church.Good Housekeeping is offering a gourmet cruise of Bordeaux, with visits to beautiful chateaux, celebrated vineyards and traditional farmers markets. You'll stop in Cussac Fort Médoc, Cadillac, and Saint-Émilion while learning all about this romantic region's history and wine culture and relaxing on board the luxurious river cruise ship, the S.S. Bon Voyage.
12. 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.
13. 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 eight-day tour of Switzerland and Italy you'll ride the Glacier Express as well as exploring the gardens and palaces of Italy's Lake Maggiore. The trip also includes a trip on the Bernina Express and a ride on the Centovalli Railway across the Italian border.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
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18. 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.
19. 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.
20. Admire springtime blooms along the Dutch waterways
You won't find a better time to visit the Netherlands than spring, when tulip season arrives, bringing colourful fields full of blooming flowers. It's when you can visit the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens to see millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Elsewhere, the canals, windmills and streets of Amsterdam are also at their most beautiful.
Good Housekeeping's springtime Netherlands holiday takes you to visit the famous flower fields and Keukenhof Gardens to witness an incredible seven million flowers covering 80 acres in a riot of colour. You'll also pay visits to the Netherlands' two biggest cities, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, where you can trace the steps of some of their famous former residents.
21. See the best of Marrakech and the incredible Atlas Mountains
Marrakech is a great destination for a city break, especially if you're looking for some winter sun. With warm weather year round and a whole host of sites to see, from grand old mosques to atmospheric medinas and souks, there's little chance of getting bored in this culture-packed city.
Join Good Housekeeping for a five-night exploration of everything Marrakech has to offer. You'll be based at a luxurious four-star hotel located in the heart of the city and enjoy a guided tour of the medieval medina, atmospheric souks and the extraordinary Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
You'll also heard out to explore the city's iconic backdrop, the soaring, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, with a drive into the beautiful foothills. You'll see the countryside evolving from saffron-coloured fields to steeper, wooded slopes. There'll be plenty of time to take in the stunning views, including a stop to stretch your legs and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
22. Ride from Venice to Paris in unrivalled luxury on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
As far as dream rail holidays go, it's hard to beat a ride on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This ultra-luxurious train is known for its restored Art Deco carriages and takes lucky passengers along a range of routes including Paris to Prague, Paris to Istanbul, Amsterdam to Venice, and Brussels to Verona.
One of our favourite journeys connects two of Europe's most romantic cities, Venice and Paris, with time to explore the highlights of both. On board, look forward to fine dining in the dining carriage, where a seasonal four-course d'hôte menu will be served, with a sommelier on hand with the perfect pairings.
Good Housekeeping is a offering an exclusive journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express between Venice and Paris. Making the trip even more special than usual is the company of journalist and rail enthusiast Michael Portillo, who'll join you for a drinks reception and dinner and give a fascinating talk after your meal.
Looking for inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.
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