Travel Bucket List Revisited 2026

Travel Bucket List Revisited 2026

(For those who want to read)

There’s something about the start of a new year that invites us to dream a little.

Some people make resolutions.

And some people run away from resolutions like they’re chasing them with a spreadsheet.

I tend to set some goals (business-wise), but maybe lean more into intentions.

When it comes to travel, I love revisiting my bucket list.

This has become a tradition for me — the first episode of the year is where I look at the places still calling my name, the new destinations that have bubbled up and the spots I’m itching to revisit.

 

How I build my bucket list each year

I use a simple set of parameters:

• A place makes my bucket list if I’ve never been or I haven’t visited in 5+ years.

• If I’ve been there within the last five years, it goes into a separate category — places I want to revisit.

Why?

Because I’m the kind of traveler who likes to “dig in deeper.”

When I love a place, I don’t just want a quick visit .

I want to get to know it better.

 

A quick look back at 2025

Two places from my 2025 bucket list got partially checked off:

• Yorkshire, England — I didn’t make it to the city of York this time, but I did explore the Yorkshire Dales and the coastal town of Whitby — and loved both.

• Paris —  I returned after not visiting since January 2020, and yes, it’s still my favorite city (even though I’m not usually a “city person”).

Now for the fun part…

My Travel Bucket List

 

10. Rome, Italy

I’ve technically been to Rome, but only for about 16 hours way back in 2012 — not enough to count as Rome proper.

I want a real visit of at last a few days — or even a week — so I I have time to explore and experience the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and yes, the Vatican.

 

9. Counties Sligo & Donegal, Ireland

This is a two-fer because they’re neighbors and both deserve a return trip.

I want to revisit Sligo for its coastline, history and trails (it’s also W.B. Yeats country).

Donegal has my heart — especially the north.

I’d love to base myself in Dunfanaghy (or nearby) again, revisit favorite spots, and finally do a few things I missed.

That northwest corner of Ireland is stunning — and still not as visited as other areas.

 

8. Iceland

Iceland is a new one for this list

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to give it a proper spot.

After a great guest conversation (and a lot of enthusiastic Iceland talk), I found myself thinking: why haven’t I gone yet?

It looks wildly beautiful — and it feels like one of those destinations you never forget.

 

7. Lake Como, Italy

I visited Lake Como on my first Italy trip back in 2008.

And I’ve been asking myself ever since: why haven’t I returned?

Mountains + lake + charming towns = yes, please.

Next time, I’d love to explore beyond my original base, visit more villas, and spend a bit longer soaking it all in.

 

6. Slovenia

Slovenia quietly surprises people — and I adored it.

I visited in 2019 and want to go back to explore more beyond the highlights.

More of Triglav National Park, more hiking, more small towns, and maybe even the eastern wine and spa areas.

Beautiful, affordable and full of forests — my kind of place.

 

5. Brittany, France

After spending time in Normandy, my curiosity about Brittany came roaring back.

I want to explore its seaside towns, countryside, and history.

And I really want to see the Carnac standing stones.

Brittany feels like one of those regions I’d fall hard for — scenic, coastal and full of story.

 

4. Swiss Alps: Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald

I only had a day trip to Grindelwald back in 2014 — enough of a glimpse to want more. I

’d love to spend a week (or two) in this region with its lakes, mountains, trails, forest walks… the full alpine playground.

Switzerland is pricey, but my mountain-loving heart keeps putting it back on the radar.

 

3. Finland

Finland has been on my list every year

And it’s staying there until I finally go.

I’m fascinated by the contrast of experiences — lakes and long summer days, winter magic, great food, and intriguing places beyond Helsinki that feel slightly under-the-radar for many travelers.

Thanks to Tarja Koivisto of Visit Finland for coming on the podcast in 2025 and bringing Finland to life for me!

 

2. Cornwall & Devon, England

These two regions in southwest England are calling my name.

There are cliff walks, coastal towns, sea views, and trails everywhere (which you know I love).

Cornwall has long intrigued me and Devon adds even more variety with its beautiful interior landscapes too.

 

1. Orkney & Shetland Islands, Scotland

My top spot goes to Scotland’s far-flung northern islands — Orkney and Shetland.

Orkney’s history is incredible with Skara Brae and Shetland’s distinctive culture and Viking heritage fascinate me.

I’d love to spend a couple of weeks between the two, traveling by ferry and giving each island group the time it deserves.

 

Bonus bucket list: a long-distance walk

In 2026, I’d love to do another long-distance walk — maybe in the British Isles.

Hadrian’s Wall is on my mind, and there are tempting routes in Wales, Scotland and Ireland too.

I’m not married to one specific trail yet, but I’m putting it out there as an intention: I want another multi-day walking adventure.

Places I’m Already Dreaming of Returning To

One of my favorite parts of revisiting my travel bucket list each year is looking not just at new destinations, but at the places that still have a hold on me — the ones that quietly (or not so quietly) call me back.

These are destinations I’ve visited within the past five years — places that left such an impression that I know I’ve only scratched the surface.

Northern Italy is firmly at the top of that list.

The Dolomites continue to feel like a place I’ll always return to — from villages like Castelrotto and San Vigilio di Marebbe to the sweeping meadows of Alpe di Siusi and the wine-rich Caldaro area in South Tyrol.

These landscapes feel grounding and expansive all at once, and I never tire of them.

Nearby, the Val di Fassa — including Canazei — offers a slightly different perspective on the mountains, with incredible hiking and a more local Italian feel that I’d love to explore more deeply.

Scotland, unsurprisingly, shows up more than once.

The far north — especially the rugged landscapes tied loosely to the North Coast 500 — continues to pull me back with its wild coastline, solitary mountains, and quiet, boggy interiors dotted with lochs.

The Isle of Mull is another place I’m eager to spend more time, despite already having visited for almost 2 weeks in 2024.

Like so many Scottish islands, it feels layered, soulful and endlessly explorable.

And honestly, Scotland as a whole remains a place I’ll always say yes to — whether returning to familiar favorites or discovering somewhere new.

England has also earned a permanent place on my “return” list.

I spent extended time in the Lake District in 2023 and fell hard for its softer mountains, literary connections and charming villages.

More recently, both the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales surprised and delighted me with their dramatic edges, rolling hills, and deeply walkable landscapes.

These are places that invite slow exploration — and I’m already imagining future visits.

France made a strong impression in 2025, particularly Normandy and the Loire Valley.

Normandy surprised me with its blend of history, beautiful coastline, pastoral countryside, and welcoming towns — and people.

The Loire Valley, with its châteaux, vineyards, cycling paths, and golden autumn light, felt endlessly rich — a place where you could return again and again and still find something new.

And then there’s Ireland.

Counties Kerry, Galway, and Mayo continue to call me back with their mix of wild coastline, national parks, welcoming towns like Westport and Kenmare, and unforgettable walking routes.

These are landscapes that feel both grounding and alive

And places I know I’ll revisit many times over.

Looking back at this list reminds me that a travel bucket list isn’t just about ticking boxes.

It’s about noticing which places stay with you — and giving yourself permission to return when the timing feels right

A final thought as we look ahead to 2026

One of the things I love most about revisiting my travel bucket list each year is how simple — and personal — the exercise can be.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

Your bucket list might focus on Europe, domestic travel, worldwide adventures, or a mix of everything.

What matters is giving yourself permission to dream.

Write it down.

Put it somewhere you’ll actually find it again.

Then at the start of each new year, take a look back and see what’s changed — what’s still calling you, what no longer fits, and what new possibilities have appeared.

That’s my hope for you in 2026 — that a few of your travel bucket list dreams begin to take shape, in whatever way feels right for you.

As for me, 2026 includes time back in Scotland — a place that always feels like home — along with leading three Wander Your Way Adventures small group tours:

• Wild Heart of Scotland: The Cairngorms & Highlands

• Island Odyssey: Scotland’s Hidden Shores

• Footsteps & Flavors of Sicily

Each trip is designed for travelers who want meaningful experiences, beautiful landscapes, and the ease of traveling with a small, like-minded group.

And if group travel isn’t your style, I’m always happy to help you plan an independent trip to Europe — whether you need support with one piece of your itinerary or full, start-to-finish planning.

Creating customized journeys that truly fit you is one of my favorite parts of what I do.

Here’s 🥂 to a new year of curiosity, openness, and travel that feels aligned — wherever 2026 may take you.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Wander Your Way, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!

Like it? Pin it!