For now, most of us can’t stray far from home – but the travel restrictions due to the coronavirus crisis have us dreaming of distant shores. If it feels like the four walls are beginning to close in, it’s time to start fantasising about travelling the great wide world beyond our beautiful country. 

Whether you prefer adventure, relaxation, culture or a mix of it all, here are some of the top global travel destinations on our bucket list to help inspire you to start preparing for your next overseas adventure. 

100 of Airtrain’s Global Travel Bucket List Destinations 

Amalfi Coast, Italy. Craggy mountains drop to the flawless blue sea in this breathtaking Mediterranean destination, ideal for relaxing or exploring in the beautiful surrounds.  

Amsterdam, Netherlands. Along with a slightly wild reputation, Amsterdam is noted for its intriguing canals, historical buildings, and fantastic museums, as well as being a cyclist’s dream to visit.  

Andaman Islands, India. This archipelago of over 300 islands is the perfect tropical escape, with white sand beaches, incredible marine life and tropical rainforests.  

Arizona, USA. Home to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Cathedral Rock, this sunny state is made for road trips and long nights under the stars.  

Bali, Indonesia. It’s an all-time favourite destination for Australians for a reason. Whether you like culture, nightlife or relaxation, if you haven’t organised a trip to Bali – you should. 

Barbados, Caribbean. This beautiful island is known for its unbeatable beaches and equally famous rum punch – the ultimate in relaxation and sun-soaked scenery.  

Barcelona, Spain. Known for its historical buildings and unforgettable nightlife, Barcelona has something to offer for the long sunny days and as well as the vibrant nights.  

Bayahibe, Dominican Republic.  A beautiful resort town with beaches and plenty of outdoor excitement, Bayahibe has fantastic dive sites and caves to explore.  

Beijing, China. The Imperial capital of China, Beijing is a mix of old and new, traditional and surprising. The city is the gateway to experiences like the Great Wall, The Forbidden City, The Ming Tombs, The Summer Palace – priceless treasures combine with great food to make Beijing unforgettable.  

Bora Bora, French Polynesia. One of the last words in luxury resort destinations, Bora Bora is a small island in Tahiti that features over-water accommodation and incredible scuba diving.  

Bozeman, Montana. Discover the Rocky Mountains and all the hiking, skiing and camping they offer from Bozeman.  

Budapest, Hungary. Straddling the famous Danube River, Budapest is an ancient city with incredible architecture, which functions as the heart of Hungary. 

Buenos Aires, Argentina. Offering spectacular architecture, passionate tango and unforgettable food, Buenos Aires has the perfect mix of historical and cultural attractions along with a hip Latin vibe. 

Cairo, Egypt. The capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world, Cairo is set between the Nile River and endless desert and hosts historical treasures from the beginnings of our civilisation.  

Cape Town, South Africa. A port city nestled below the famous Tabletop Mountain, Cape Town has beautiful sights and majestic surrounds to captivate any traveler.  

Cappadocia, Turkey. With an other-worldly landscape, incredible cave structures and unbelievable hiking destinations, Cappadocia is an unforgettable experience like no other.  

Charlotte, North Carolina. Home of the NASCAR hall of fame and post-civil war history museums along with interactive science centres, Charlotte offers an unmissable slice of American Southern history.  

Cinque Terre, Italy. A beautiful cluster of seaside villages that are centuries old, these seaside towns have a perfect, rustic setting with unbeatable fresh food.  

Cleveland, Ohio. With the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame amongst its most famous attractions, Cleveland has plenty to please with culinary, artistic and industrial offerings for visitors.  

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Spot bald eagles and osprey at this beautiful town, nestled beside a picturesque lake and surrounded by trees.  

Colombo, Sri Lanka. A mix of colonial heritage and modern development, Colombo is both a wonder in itself and the gateway to the rest of beautiful Sri Lanka.  

Colorado, USA. Colorado has it all, with soaring mountains, beautiful forests, incredible mesas, striking canyons, plateaus, rivers and arid desert lands.  

Copenhagen, Denmark. Named the “Happiest City in the World”, visitors flock to Copenhagen to cycle along the streets and canals, taking in the unique architecture and eating world-class food.  

Dakar, Senegal. An exciting, cosmopolitan city, Dakar’s past history as a French colonial outpost now mixes French-style architecture with a distinct African feel.  

Dali province, China. The two identities of Dali – the Ancient City and New District – give a hint as to the mix of old and new that the city offers. Set around the picturesque Erhai Lake, the province is surrounded by mountains on every side.   

Dubai, UAE. Dubai has grown in just a few short decades from a dusty town to a soaring, ultra-modern city that is unlike anywhere else on earth. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia. While it has been considered the Pearl of the Adriatic for centuries, Dubrovnik has gained recent increased popularity for being the site of King’s Landing from the famous Game of Thrones, as well as hosting many other movies.  

Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh is the hilly capital of Scotland, which features Edinburgh Castle as well as a host of other sightseeing opportunities.  

Espíritu Santo, Mexico. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this beautiful island off the coast of Mexico contrasts the rocky, volcanic outcrops with the desert and the beach. The true treasure is the wildlife – come here to stay outdoors and make the most of nature.  

Fairbanks, Alaska. Soak up some midnight sun or chase the Northern Lights – Fairbanks offers extremes of light, cold, and beauty.  

Faroe Islands, Denmark. Formed by volcanoes and glacial activity, this beautiful string of islands has endless summer days and windswept wintery nights with peaceful and exceptionally beautiful scenery.  

Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. Nestled at the feet of the Rocky Mountain range, this small city is a hiker’s delight. 

Glacier National Park, Montana. With glacier-carved peaks and valleys and over 700 miles of incredibly beautiful walking trails, this national park is a scenic slice of natural beauty.  

Guangxi province, China. Featuring some of the most celebrated landscapes in China, tourists visit the Guangxi Province for the towering pinnacles, rivers, caves, and diverse ethnic makeup of the residents.   

Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, USA. Famed for its perfect sunrise best viewed from the high peaks, this national park is home to rare wildlife, incredible landscapes and a deep cultural heritage.   

Hamburg, Germany. World class nightlife, an arresting maritime feel, beautiful architecture, and great beer – what’s not to love about Hamburg? 

Hanoi, Vietnam. The capital of Vietnam is situated on the banks of the Red River and is a bustling city with a rich history. Hanoi makes it easy to mix luxury with a true cultural experience.  

Havana, Cuba. Classic cars and Spanish colonial architecture along with the distinctly upbeat vibe of the city, Havana is a place in a time warp – in the best possible way.  

Hawaii, USA. This beautiful archipelago of over 137 islands boasts volcanic beauty, tropical jungles, famous resorts, incredible wildlife and some of the best beaches in the world.  

Hoi An, Vietnam. Located on Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is famous for its Ancient Town, not to mention the incredible food and other remarkable scenery. 

Hollywood, Florida. Chase the glamour and glitz and go where all the true stars hang out – Hollywood lives up to its reputation as the beautiful home of the rich and famous.  

Ibiza, Spain. Ibiza is world renowned for its nightlife and party scene, not to mention the flawless beaches and fabulous resorts catering to international party-goers.  

Jaipur, India. Home to the beautiful “Pink City”, Jaipur features castles, fortresses, courtyards and museums, along with the captivating Indian culture.  

Java, Indonesia. Not quite as tourist-frequented as Bali, beautiful Java hosts the nation’s capital and much of the colonial architecture, as well as Javanese historical treasures.  

Kathmandu, Nepal. Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalayas. Famous amongst backpackers and with endless cultural and historical attractions, Kathmandu is an old hippie paradise that lets you get off the beaten track. 

Kerala, India. Wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tropical coastline and the enticing Indian culture – Kerala offers a getaway with a difference.  

Kerry, Ireland. The scenery is otherworldly in Kerry, with craggy mountains and rugged coastlines. You might want to drive the “Ring of Kerry”, an unforgettable scenic route like no other.  

Koh Samui, Thailand. Luxury resorts? Perfect beaches? Amazing food? Beautiful local culture? Koh Samui has it all. 

Koh Yao Yai, Thailand. A getaway within a getaway, the Koh Yao Yai Island has beautful mangrove forests and fine, white sand beaches.  

Kruger National Park, South Africa. Offering stunning scenery combined with unforgettable encounters with wild animals, visiting Kruger National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will be talking about for decades to come. 

La Paz, Mexico. As the capital of the stunning Baja California Sur, La Paz is often seen as the gateway to the luxurious resorts along the coast. However, with its promenade, beaches, parks, art and seafront restaurants and bars, it’s a destination in itself. 

Las Vegas, USA. Gambling, shopping, nightlife, shows – Las Vegas is famous for action and indulgence.  

Laucala Island, Fiji. The last word in luxury holiday destinations, Laucala Island is an exclusive tropical paradise off the mainland of Fiji that offers privacy and extravagance in the breathtaking white sand beach and jungle setting. 

Lima, Peru. Lima has some of the world’s best surfing beaches, as well as the beach culture and food to make this seaside capital an attractive South American destination.  

Lisbon, Portugal. The food is incredible, the weather is fantastic, the scenery is sublime – Lisbon has plenty of ornate architecture and rich history, but it’s also just a beautiful place to be. 

London, England. With history stretching back to Roman times and a leading modern culture, you can easily step between past and present in this beautiful city.  

Los Angeles, USA. As the centre of the television and film industry, Los Angeles is a sprawling city with a warm climate that hosts all the glitter and glam that goes along with making movies in America. 

Maafushi Island, Maldives. Home of exclusive resorts and beautiful beaches, Maafushi Island is one of the best that the Maldives has to offer.  

Machu Picchu, Peru. Step back in time and visit real archaeological sites at Machu Picchu. Along with the healthy hike and breathtaking surrounds, you can marvel at the wonders of the Incan empire.  

Mackinac Island, Michigan. Mackinac Island is the ultimate old-school getaway – with cars banned on the island, old-style architecture and a slower pace of life, it’s the perfect escape if you’re looking to relax.  

Macon, Georgia. Macon is home to many museums, and celebrates their civil war history as well as their Native American relics from millennia ago.  

Marrakech, Morocco. Like a city from a dream, Marrakesh (or Marrakech to the locals) has winding streets of immense beauty, exotic markets, and access to the Sahara Desert for an extraordinary experience that takes you from luxurious lounges to bustling culture and back.  

Marseille, France. Founded by the Greeks around 600 BC, Marseille is still a premiere destination for people looking for beauty, food and culture. This port-side city is home to some breath-taking architecture that alone makes the trip worthwhile.  

Matterhorn, Switzerland. It might be one of the most photographed mountains, but you should see the Matterhorn’s almost perfectly pyramidal shape in person. Set in breathtaking surrounds, this mountain and the area around it offer truly matchless beauty.  

Maui, Hawaii. The white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and enticing culture have famous Maui on everybody’s travel list for scenic relaxation and outdoor adventure. 

Middleburg, Virginia.  Known as the nation’s “Horse and Hunt” capital, this charming Southern city will offer you hospitality as well as natural beauty.  

Moscow, Russia. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites and unique architecture, Moscow is beautiful and offers a destination rich in history for travellers in search of something different.  

Nara, Japan. Nara was an ancient seat of power and is now a beautiful historic city, known for the deer that roam freely within it.  

New Orleans, USA. New Orleans is a cultural melting pot with incredible food in a beautiful setting. The real drawcard for travellers are its many festivals and opportunities to soak up the nightlife. 

New York, USA. Thanks to all those movies New York feels simultaneously foreign and familiar, with the shopping, food, culture, sight-seeing and nightlife making this urban delight one of our major travel goals.  

Newfoundland, Canada. Visit for the hospitality, the cheery inhabitants, and the absolutely breathtaking scenery.  

Normandy, France. Site of the famous D-Day landing of World War II, Normandy is a beautiful coastal area of France famous for cheese, wine, cider and seafood, as well as the stunning natural surrounds.  

Nosy Be, Madagascar. An island off Madagascar, Nosy Be has beautiful resorts and features the incredible wildlife that sets Madagascar apart from the rest of the world.  

Orcas Island, Washington. Called the “Gem of the San Juan Islands”, this gorgeous island off the coast of Washington is unsurprisingly considered one of the best places to view wild orcas.  

Paris, France. Paris is a city that needs no introduction. With art, museums, architecture and food like nowhere else, a bucket list wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Paris.  

Paro Valley, Bhutan. Paro Valley is beautiful, spiritual and off the beaten track. Soaring mountains and important historical and religious sites make it well worth the visit.  

Paros, Greece. An island that features a stunning port, with winding roads under a castle made from marble quarried on the island itself – the perfect beaches and beautiful white houses help make it a perfectly idyllic spot.  

Petra, Jordan. Featuring incredible architecture carved directly into the pink sandstone cliffs, Petra is an unmissable desert destination.  

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is rich in American Revolutionary history. The site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia celebrates its heritage and surrounds in a beautiful modern city.  

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. With a vast network of underground caves running under a beautiful national park, this stunning corner of Vietnam is a fantastic destination for the adventurous.  

Phuket, Thailand. With a large number of resorts and hotels to choose from in this beautiful spot, you can choose luxury or lifestyle options for your stay.  

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. A resort town along the Mexican Coast, you can stay at the beautiful beaches or head to the many restaurants, nightclubs and shops.  

Pokhara, Nepal. As the gateway to the famous Annapurna Circuit and home to many yoga retreats, this beautiful town at the foot of the Himalayas draws visitors from around the world. 

Prague, Czech Republic. Called “The City of a Hundred Spires”, Prague showcases mediaeval architecture and castles galore, along with gorgeous sightseeing opportunities – and some of the best beer in Europe. 

Providencia, Colombia. Go diving, climb the mountain, explore the jungle, relax on the beach – the perfect little island of Providencia is the perfect escape.  

Quebec City, Canada. With its rich French heritage and beautiful Canadian setting, Quebec City offers all the dining, culture and scenery you could want.  

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Home to some of the most famous beaches in the world, this Brazillian city represents fun, freedom and festivals. 

Rome, Italy. Having been a major human settlement for millennia, Rome continues to attract visitors because of its beauty, charm, and gastronomical delights.  

Salt Lake City, USA. Hosting the world headquarters of the LDS church, Salt Lake City has many different architectural and culinary attractions to recommend it.  

San Sebastian, Spain. Visit San Sebastian for its beautiful beaches, picturesque Old Town, and of course – the incomparable Spanish culture and food.  

Santiago, Chile. Santiago has a sublime setting, with the Andes Mountains on one side and the sparkling coast to the other. The bustling culture and vibrant art and music scene captivate travellers.  

Santorini, Greece. Striking white houses cling to the rocky cliffs and provide sharp contrast to the dazzling blue ocean – this volcanic island with a history spanning millennia captivates visitors while offering an unforgettable get-away.  

Seoul, South Korea. Seoul manages to be ultra-modern without forsaking its heritage, as futuristic buildings sit side-by-side with traditional temples.  

Sichuan province, China. Sichuan Province has many of China’s treasures within its borders, encompassing a section of the Yangtze River and home to giant pandas. It also has a distinct culinary and cultural tradition.  

Siem Reap, Vietnam. Colonial and Chinese architecture meet in the French Quarter and Old Market, giving a clue to the rich history of the city.  

South Padre, Texas. The Island’s Birding and Nature centre gives nature-lovers the opportunity to watch migrating birds from their 5-story watchtower.   

St. Simons Island, Georgia. The last word in charming Southern destinations, St. Simon’s Island is famous for its beaches, wildlife, and salt marshes.  

Tahiti, French Polynesia. Tahiti hosts a breathtaking series of black sand beaches, lagoons, resorts and retreats that are the ultimate in luxury and tranquility.  

Tel Aviv, Israel. Known as the “White City”, Tel Aviv features 1930s Bauhaus style architecture. It also has some of the world’s best nightlife, as well as a fantastic food culture.  

Teton County, USA. Yellowstone National Park is one of the biggest drawcards to this area, but there are plenty of other natural wonders to discover within its borders.  

Tokyo, Japan. Step into the future with one of the most incredible cities in the world – you’re sure to be overwhelmed by the culture, sights and food, but even the longest trip will leave you wanting more.  

Tombstone, Arizona. A historic city with a “Wild West” background, Tombstone make the most of their cowboy heritage, making it a unique destination.  

Udaipur, India. Set with a mountain backdrop around picturesque artificial lakes, it’s no wonder this beautiful city is host to so many palaces and royal residences.  

Utah, USA. Utah hosts many national parks, including the Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Arches National Park. The capital, Salt Lake City, provides access to mountains with great skiing.  

Vancouver, Canada. Vancouver is a melting pot of different ethniticies and cultures, which is reflected in the vibrant arts and music scene, set in the soaring mountainous surrounds.  

Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas, this beautiful national park is best explored with a knowledgeable local guide for an unforgettable experience.  

Whistler, Canada. Whistler is one of the most famous skiing destinations in the world. The luxury resort caters for the usual skiing, but you can also try snowshoeing, toboganning, or even aerial skiing at the Olympic Park, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics.  

Zanzibar, Tanzania. Get lost in the ancient winding Stone City, explore the natural wonders, or relax in a beach resort.  

Zermatt, Switzerland. This beautiful mountain resort is an ideal location for those who love the outdoors – hiking, skiing and climbing are all on offer in the idyllic surrounds.  

Wherever you’re headed, the Brisbane airport is our gateway to the rest of the world – and Airtrain is the key to getting there on time and with ease. No matter where your adventures will lead you, you can start your journey in comfort with Airtrain. 

For more travel inspiration, check out our ideas for vacations (and staycations) over on the Airtrain blog.