Bucket List Destinations

Which destination will you check off your bucket list next?

Kirkjufellsfoss, Iceland

Iceland

Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire, England

Great Britain

Central Europe

Slovenia

Hallstatt, Austria

Austria

Tropea, Calabria, Italy

Italy

Bern, Switzerland

Switzerland

Valencia, Spain

Spain

Tenerife

Tenerife

Bucket List Destinations in Central Europe (Visegrad Four)

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

Czech Republic

Strbske Pleso, Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

Slovakia

Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Budapest, Hungary

Hungary

Medieval Town of Toruń, Poland

Poland

Bucket List Destinations in the Pacific Ocean

Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

Hawaii

Kuata Island, Yasawa, Fiji

Fiji

Quokka, Rottnest Island, WA, Australia

Australia

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

New Zealand

Bucket List Destinations in Central America and South America

Belize

Belize

Belize

Costa Rica

Ingapirca, Ecuador

Ecuador

Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru

Bucket List Destinations in the Caribbean

Pitons, Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Blue Hole, Ochos Rios, Jamaica

British Virgin Islands

Salto Jimenoa Waterfall, Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic

Read more about some of the Bucket List Destinations I specialize in

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Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

The following countries are the top 12 safest in the world and are therefore ideal for solo female travellers, female couples and women's travel groups.

Which of these countries will you add to your bucket list?

Iceland Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

Iceland

Denmark Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

Denmark

Austria Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

Austria

ArubaTop 12 Safest Countries in the World

Aruba

Bermuda Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

Bermuda

Gibralter Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

Gibralter

New Zealand Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

New Zealand

Singapore Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

Singapore

BVI Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

British Virgin Islands

Liechtenstein Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

Liechtenstein

Switzerland Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

Switzerland

Canada Top 12 Safest Countries in the World

Canada

My top 12 picks for Off-the-Beaten-Track Sustainable Destinations

Each of these environmentally friendly, green and responsible destinations are committed to sustainable tourism.

They made my top 12 list for various reasons, which I highlight below. You may be unfamiliar with some of these destinations or may not know just how green and/or sustainable they are. It might be time to add them to your bucket list and plan to visit on an adventure sooner rather than later!

Rock of Brisighella, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Receiving Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2021 Sustainability Award as best “Cultural Walk”, visitors to this off-the-beaten-track region of Italy can follow in the steps of the great Italian poet, Dante. The 395 km circular route will take you on an adventure across the Apennines between Tuscany and Romagna and you can choose to go by foot, bike or train.

Starting in Florence the route passes through Scarperia and San Piero, Borgo San Lorenzo, Marradi, then Faenza, Brisighella and Ravenna where you’ll discover ancient monuments, Italian traditions, and of course, food and wine. Every step of the way, you’ll be immersed in Italian history, art and nature as well as have the opportunity to visit places where Dante lived in exile.

With a variety of itineraries to choose from, history and stories are told in ancient buildings, Romanesque churches, small villages, museums, libraries, and craft workshops.

Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Awarded European Green Capital in 2016, a UNESCO city of literature in 2015 and one of 9 destinations in Slovenia listed on the Green Destinations Top 100.

Ameland, West Frisian Islands, Netherlands one of 11 sustainable destinations that made the top 100 list of Green Destinations in 2020

Ameland, Netherlands

A country with more bikes than people, is it any wonder why I’ve included this tiny European nation in my top 12 sustainable destinations. With 11 destinations in this tiny European country being listed on the Green Destinations Top 100, the Netherlands easily falls in the top 12 sustainable destinations in the world. One of the destinations listed is Ameland, an island made up mainly of sand dunes in West Frisian Islands – a natural beauty and quiet island also known as the “Wadden Diamond” earned the Quality Coast Award in 2009.

Path to  Lagoa das Sete Cidades , Azores, Portugal

Azores, Portugal

One of 11 destinations in Portugal listed on the Green Destinations Top 100 and being on my bucket list for quite some time (as it’s a volcanic archipelago) I had to include the Azores in my top 12 sustainable destinations.

Wheal Coates Mine, Cornwall, England - located on the southwest coastal path near St. Agnes.

Cornwall, England

With eight eco-hotels and lodges to choose from, a coastal path that stretches the entire length of the county and with the warmest weather in the UK, it’s no wonder Cornwall is so popular with many Brits like me. They even have Biome Domes at the Eden Project, an educational charity, where you can learn about the interconnections between all living things.

Just 3-4 hours from London, consider adding this eco-destination to your bucket-list, especially if you’re visiting the UK in late Spring or early Fall, when the weather and the scenery is at its best for hiking, and there are substantially fewer tourists. (Pictured is one of my favourite spots on the north Cornish coast.)

Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark

One of the world's cleanest and greenest cities, ranking second out of 23 European cities in 2015 (Zurich received the top spot), and second to Calgary, according to World Atlas), Copenhagen is committed to becoming the world’s first carbon neutral city by 2025.

Tortuguero National Park one of many protected areas in Costa Rica, the pioneer of sustainable tourism and one of the most sustainable destinations in the world

Costa Rica

As a pioneer of sustainable tourism, sustainability is not a practice in Costa Rica, it’s a way of life. With 5% of the earth’s land-based biodiversity and 3.5% of its marine life, crammed into this tiny territory, of which 25% is protected by the National System of Conservation Areas, is it any wonder Costa Rica is one of the most sustainable destinations in the world? More than 98 per cent of its energy is renewable, 93% of its electricity is from renewable resources…

8.	Helsinki, Finland – committed to being carbon neutral by 2035 and involves tourism with its “Think Sustainably” campaign by the city’s tourism board

Helsinki, Finland

Committed to being carbon neutral by 2035 and involves tourism with its “Think Sustainably” campaign by the city’s tourism board.

Finland is not yet on my bucket list but I know a couple of people who love this country. With a commitment like this, I wanted to include it in my top 12 and will definitely be looking into this destination more, and may even add it to my bucket list. Is Helsinki on your bucket list?

Westfjords Region, Iceland

Iceland

While not listed in Green Destinations Top 100 Sustainable Destinations, over 300 Icelandic tourism companies have committed to work towards a country-wide responsible tourism initiative. The aim of the initiative is to keep tourism alive and thriving but with less negative impact. Some popular spots have been closed due to over-tourism, while the government has taken steps to encourage visitors to the take the road less travelled and visit off-the-beaten-track areas, such as Westfjords Region where they have made vast improvements to the roads recently. Even visitors to their official tourism website are encouraged to take the pledge to travel responsibly in Iceland. Iceland is not only an ideal destination for solo female travellers but it’s also a sustainable destination!

Lagoons of New Caledonia UNESCO Site since 2008 awarded ‘Best of the World – 2021 Sustainable Destination’ by National Geographic Traveller in January 2021

Lagoons of New Calendonia

Located between Australia and Fiji, this archipelago in the Pacific Ocean was awarded the ‘Best of the World – 2021 Sustainable Destination’ accolade by National Geographic Traveller in January 2021. To be honest, I'm not too familiar with New Caledonia, but with this kind of accolade, I'll definitely be considering adding it to my bucket list and will learn more about this destination before too long. Will you be adding it to yours?

Greece was awarded Top Sustainable Foodie Destination by Lonely Planet for 2021 - pictured is a Greek Salad in Santorini

Greece

While maybe not so off-the-beaten-track for Europeans, Greece can be considred off-the-beaten-track for Canadians who mostly prefer to go to the Caribbean for their "beach vacation."

If you choose to go during the shoulder or off seasons and select some of the lesser-know islands to visit, it's definitely off-the-beaten-track—literally, as you'll need to hop on a ferry or boat to reach many places.

I've mainly included Greece in my top 12 off-the-beaten track sustainable destinations, because no matter where you go, you will find sustainable food practices (delicious, fresh, local food).

And it's why Greece was awarded top destination for sustainable food by Lonely Planet on their “Best in Travel 2021” list. According to the travel magazine, the country received this accolade because of its "organic produce markets, prolific wild herbs and island seafood hauls."

While most of the world is only just becoming conscious about sustainable food habits, traditional Greek food practices, with respect to choice and preparation, date back thousands of years, and are intrinsically sustainable.

Switzerland - consistently ranked number one in the world for sustainable tourism

Switzerland

Consistently ranked number one in the world for sustainable tourism by the Global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Reports, Switzerland is committed to reducing emissions, switching to renewable energy and improving water quality. Zurich, one of Switzerland's major cities, was also ranked number one green destination in 2015.

About the Bucket List Destinations I Specialize in

Like me, you probably have tons of destinations on your bucket list. Some on my list, and no doubt yours too, include Peru, Costa Rica, Belize, Australia, New Zealand and Iceland (all of which I plan to visit soon—trips which were put on hold and/or cancelled due to COVID).

It’s impossible for me to specialize in all bucket list destinations, so I have specialized in a few from my own bucket list (many of which are volcanic islands) and some I was already familiar with before becoming a travel advisor through my own life and personal travel experiences, such as Great Britain, where I grew up, Hawaii, where I travelled extensively a few years ago, Spain and the Canaries, and Dominican Republic. Other destinations I’m familiar with through my own travel experiences are Cuba, France, the Netherlands, Montenegro, Croatia, Cyprus, Gibralter and many states in USA, as well as many provinces in Canada.

Since my main goal is to help women experience the world safely and sustainably, I specialize in Women Only Adventures in bucket list destinations that are either safe for women to travel independently, are green, sustainable and off-the-beaten-track, and/or where my clients can travel safely as part of a group with my preferred partners or on tailor-made private group tours.

I feature a few of my destination specializations below, as well as in my blog and other pages of this website, and as travel resumes, I will continue to feature more destinations women can experience solo or with their gal pals, on custom curated women only group tours hosted by Women of the World or women only adventures hosted by myself.

Australia

Australia

Australia, the world’s largest island, is such a large, unique and diverse country that choosing which region to explore on your first trip, as well as how long to stay, will be the hardest part of your decision making process. As your certified Aussie Specialist, not only can I help you determine which regions, cities, landmarks and activities best match your interests, I will help you plan a tailor-made itinerary that will ensure you fully-immerse yourself in and learn about the Australian heritage, Aboriginal culture and the Aussie way of life. No matter how long you decide to stay, what your interests are or your travel style, with my expertise, your Australian experience will be a trip of a life time.

Great Britain

Great Britain

If you’re thinking of visiting Great Britain, either as a standalone vacation or as part of a European adventure, you’re probably wondering when to go and which areas outside London are best to visit. Having spent the first 35 years of my life in the UK, returning home every year, as your Brit Agent, I am your gal for helping you plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for a short city break in London, a coastal walking tour in Cornwall, a fully independent road-trip that encompasses England, Scotland and Wales, I can arrange everything that will ensure you love the country I grew up in (but I cannot change the weather). I can also help with your Ireland travel plans.

Cool Climate Volcanic Islands

New Zealand

New Zealand

In the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world where unique experiences happen for everyone who visits. Is New Zealand on your bucket list, but weren’t sure which island to visit, how to get around the country to see the hot spots or when the best time of year to go is? As your New Zealand Travel Specialist, I can guide you in the right direction to the popular attractions as well as the amazing hidden gems. If you’re looking to immersive yourself in New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes, Māori culture and unique wildlife, I can create a tailor-made itinerary that includes everything on your wish list and more. All that’s left for you to do is have an experience of a lifetime.

Iceland

Iceland

What makes Iceland’s volcanic landscape so unique and inviting? Magnificent waterfalls, sparkling glacial lakes, magestic mountains and volcanic craters, black sand beaches, geysers that rise several feet from the ground, and the many geothermal hot springs and lagoons that have become part of the Icelandic culture. Despite its northerly latitude on the arctic circle, in Iceland you can enjoy bathing outdoors in a geothermally fed lagoons, spas and swimming pools any time of year—just like the locals do! Visit in winter, and you may also get to see the northern lights. As your Certified Inspired by Iceland Specialist, I can help plan a truly authentic, immersive and enriching Iceland experience.

Volcanic Islands in the Sun

Hawaii

Hawaii

When I visited Hawaii in 2013 & 2014, I fell in love. I felt like I was at home. I visited and experienced 4 of Hawaii’s 6 main islands, and loved them all. It’s true what they say… there is something for everything in Hawaii. You can hike a volcanic crater, take a helicopter ride through canyons and ancient caldera, walk on the youngest lava and black sand beaches in the world, relax on golden sand beaches, zip line through tropical jungles, renew your vows in a fern forest. You can do it all this and more in Hawaii. The only question is, which island will you visit first? As your Hawaii Destination Expert, I can help you decide, as well as plan everything for a unique Hawaii experience.

Fiji

Fiji

This volcanic archipelago in the  South Pacific is home to some of the happiest people in the world. Is it any wonder? Fiji is an island paradise with stunning white sand beaches, azure blue waters, spectacular coral reefs, and incredible wildlife. It’s also the amazing backdrop for a range of adventure activities and offers accommodation options for all budget levels. Fiji is the perfect destination for a standalone vacation for adventure seekers, solo travellers, couples and families alike. A 3-day relaxing beach vacation in Fiji is also an ideal way to end a New Zealand or Australian adventure. As your Fiji Matai Happiness Specialist, I can help you plan your Fiji happiness experience!

St Kitts

St Kitts

If you’d like a Caribbean beach vacation with a difference, the volcanic island of St. Kitts, along with its sister island, Nevis, has it all. You’ll discover a rich and interesting past, friendly islanders, delicious Caribbean food, historic landmarks and artifacts from the colonial slave trade era, not to mention spectacular volcanic scenery to explore and, of course, stunning beaches to relax on and warm Caribbean water to swim in. You can even take a tour of this tiny island on a sugar train. Whether you’re travelling solo or as a group, as your St Kitts Agent Destination Specialist, I can help you discover all its hidden gems and create a wonderful Caribbean island experience.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia

A mango-shaped volcanic island in the Caribbean that spans only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, Saint Lucia is brimming with soft sandy beaches, lush emerald rain forests, towering mountains, including the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Piton Mountains, and 167 species and six endemic species of birds. Saint Lucia is a bird watchers paradise, an adventure playground for active travellers who can go zip-lining, hiking or snuba diving, and an idyllic vacation island for solo travellers, couples, families and groups. As your Saint Lucia Expert (SLEx), I’m ready to help you explore this magical Caribbean island and experience all it has to offer.

Tenerife

Tenerife

Across the pond off the west coast of Africa, you’ll find the Spanish Canary Islands, two of which I have visited. The first is Tenerife which, for a tiny volcanic island, packs a whole lot in. Rent a car to explore the island’s fabulous beaches or drive up Mount Teide, a 3,718 m high active volcano with moonlike landscapes that dominates the island. Adventurous vacationers can take a cable car (weather permitting) or hike to its summit. Neighbouring Gran Canaria, famous for its huge desert-like sand dunes, Mas Palomas, also offers amazing volcanic landscapes to explore. As your Canary Islands Specialist, I can help you decide which island will be your favourite!

See why I specialize in so many volcanic islands…

Want to experience the world safely and sustainably as you check off another  destination from your bucket list?

No Destination is out of reach

While it may seem that destinations like Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Iceland are out of reach, both in cost and distance, it’s not always the case. They are often easier to get to than you think and can actually be quite affordable if you plan your trip in advance and make the right choices.

Selecting the right accommodation, pre-booking transportation, excursions and even restaurants, as well as creating a savings plan, will help you keep costs down and ensure you don’t go over your budget. As your travel advisor, through my affiliation with Travel Professionals International and my Virtuoso membership, I can make recommendations to match both your wish-list and your pocket book, as well as provide you with the best value for your money. You can even pay for future trips in installment to make paying for your investment easier.

Also, by travelling with a small group, whether as a solo-traveller on an escorted group tour, as a family group on a rail trip or cruise, or with a group of friends on a road trip or safari, the cost of your trip becomes more affordable.

Continents

Countries

Oceans

Cities

How many destinations are on your bucket list?

Australia
Hawaii
Iceland
Fiji
Machu Picchu, Peru
Britain
New Zealand

Stop Dreaming…

Start Planning Your Next Destination Now!

3 Female Travellers
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