Imagine the scenario: the prize money clears, the out-of-office auto-reply is officially activated, and the entire globe is yours to explore without checking your bank balance. While the idea of infinite travel is thrilling, narrowing down the itinerary is surprisingly difficult.
If you are ever lucky enough to win the ultimate travel ticket, here are the top 15 destinations that deserve immediate priority on your global adventure.
1. Kyoto, Japan
Must-See Attractions: Step away from the neon lights of Tokyo and wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or admire the brilliant reflection of Kinkaku-ji, the famed Golden Pavilion. The preservation of historical temples here offers a spectacular window into traditional Japanese culture.
What to Eat: You must experience a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner, which is as much a visual art form as it is a culinary masterpiece. For a casual afternoon treat, seek out any dessert heavily featuring local, vivid green matcha.
2. Rome, Italy
Must-See Attractions: Walking through Rome is like navigating an open-air museum. The sheer scale of the Colosseum and the intricate details of the Trevi Fountain remain awe-inspiring, no matter how many photographs you have seen.
What to Eat: Do not leave without consuming your body weight in authentic pasta carbonara, which strictly uses guanciale and pecorino romano. Follow it up with artisanal gelato, prioritising places where the pistachio flavour is a dull, natural green, rather than a bright, artificial hue.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Must-See Attractions: Take the aerial cableway up Table Mountain for sweeping, panoramic views of the coastline. Afterwards, head to Boulders Beach to observe the famous and wildly entertaining colony of African penguins.
What to Eat: Seek out a traditional bobotie, a deeply comforting dish of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping. Pair it with freshly caught seafood from the harbour.
4. Paris, France
Must-See Attractions: Beyond the obligatory (and completely justified) visit to the Eiffel Tower, allocate a full day to lose yourself in the endless corridors of the Louvre. The architecture of the city itself is the primary attraction.
What to Eat: Start your mornings with a perfectly layered, buttery croissant from a local boulangerie. For dinner, embrace the classics and try escargot drenched in garlic and parsley butter.
5. New York City, USA
Must-See Attractions: Wander the vast, green expanse of Central Park before braving the overwhelming electric energy of Times Square at night. Catching a Broadway production is essentially a mandatory requirement.
What to Eat: Keep it classic and practical: a foldable, incredibly large slice of New York pizza and a proper, boiled-then-baked New York bagel generously smeared with cream cheese.
6. Santorini, Greece
Must-See Attractions: The cliffside village of Oia offers what is arguably the most famous sunset view on the planet, featuring striking white architecture against the deep blue Aegean Sea. The volcanic black sand beaches are also highly recommended.
What to Eat: Order a hearty slice of moussaka, layered with eggplant and spiced meat. Ensure every meal is accompanied by a traditional Greek salad featuring a slab of remarkably fresh feta.
7. Cusco & Machu Picchu, Peru
Must-See Attractions: Acclimatise in the historic city of Cusco before making the journey to the breathtaking Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. The early morning mist clearing over the ancient ruins is entirely worth the altitude.
What to Eat: Fresh ceviche, cured in bright citrus juices, is an absolute necessity. If you want traditional comfort food, try lomo saltado, a satisfying beef stir-fry served with hot chips and rice.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
Must-See Attractions: Use the capital as a base to explore the Golden Circle, featuring erupting geysers and massive waterfalls. Soaking in the geothermal, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon is the ultimate way to unwind.
What to Eat: Try plokkfiskur, a comforting fish and potato stew perfect for the frosty climate. Curiously, you must also try an Icelandic hot dog, typically made with lamb and topped with crispy onions and sweet mustard.
9. Bali, Indonesia
Must-See Attractions: Navigate the lush, green rice terraces of Tegallalang in Ubud or visit the striking Uluwatu Temple, perched dramatically on a steep ocean cliff. The cultural performances held at dusk are mesmerising.
What to Eat: You cannot go wrong with nasi goreng, the national fried rice dish usually topped with a fried egg. For a celebratory feast, seek out babi guling, a famously tender roast pork dish.
10. Barcelona, Spain
Must-See Attractions: Marvel at the intricate, still-unfinished architectural genius of Antoni Gaudí at the Sagrada Familia. Later, stroll through Park Güell for vibrant mosaics and sweeping city views.
What to Eat: Spend your evenings navigating bustling tapas bars, ordering small plates of patatas bravas and cured meats. You must also dedicate an afternoon to a massive, seafood-rich pan of authentic paella.
11. Banff, Canada
Must-See Attractions: Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, the glacial, turquoise waters of Lake Louise look almost artificially vibrant. Driving the Icefields Parkway offers some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in the world.
What to Eat: Warm up after a day of exploring with a serving of poutine: hot chips topped with squeaky cheese curds and rich gravy. For dinner, local Alberta beef steaks are widely considered top-tier.
12. Queenstown, New Zealand
Must-See Attractions: The adventure capital of the world demands that you try a bungy jump or a jet boat ride. For a slightly more relaxed visual feast, take a scenic cruise through the towering peaks of Milford Sound.
What to Eat: Join the inevitable queue for a legendary Fergburger; the massive, gourmet burgers are entirely worth the wait. Wash it down with a glass of locally produced Central Otago Pinot Noir.
13. Marrakech, Morocco
Must-See Attractions: Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of the Medina, filled with vibrant textiles and spices. The Jardin Majorelle offers a strikingly colourful, botanical escape from the bustling city centre.
What to Eat: Share a slow-cooked tagine, a rich stew of meat, fruits, and spices cooked in a traditional clay pot. Every transaction and conversation is best accompanied by a glass of sweet, pouring-hot mint tea.
14. Dubai, UAE
Must-See Attractions: Look down upon the world from the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on earth. For a change of pace, book a desert safari to experience the rolling sand dunes away from the skyline.
What to Eat: Grab a freshly carved, dripping-with-flavour shawarma wrap from a street vendor. For a sweet finish, try luqaimat, which are delightful, crispy dumplings drizzled generously in date syrup.
15. The Maldives
Must-See Attractions: The primary attraction here is doing absolutely nothing. However, snorkelling through the vibrant coral reefs right off the deck of your overwater bungalow is an experience that cannot be replicated.
What to Eat: Start your day like a local with mas huni, a refreshing breakfast dish made of finely shredded smoked tuna, coconut, and onion, traditionally scooped up with warm flatbread.
Feel like going to any of these places? Enter to win now and it could be you!
