Places That Ought to Be on Everyone's Bucket List

[Carmen Elsa Irarragorri Wyland]

You may have heard of the ‘bucket list’, which is a personal wish list of places we intend to see. Usually we get inspiration to see places that we have heard about from television, but you probably won’t have heard about these astonishing places. If I were making a list of must see places I would include these  spectacular locations. You won’t believe that you’ve never seen these places before.

The Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, ScotlandWhen the temperature is right, swimming in these crystal clear Fairy Pools on the magical Isle of Skye is one of the greatest experiences to be had in all of Great Britain.

Gassho-Zukuri cottages, Shirakawago, Japan

These traditional cottages are known as gassho-zukuri, which means ‘clasped hands’ since the angle of the roofs look like hands held together in prayer. You can find dozens of these in one village, which is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Termite rock mounds, Australia

What may look like curious rocks are in fact large termite mounds. The other extraordinary thing about these is that they line up magnetically. The edges point north and south, while the backs face east-west. This is done to help the termites regulate their temperature in the incredibly hot Northern Territory.

Eisbach man-made river, Munich, Germany

Have you ever seen such a river as this? It was designed to provide waves so dramatic that surfers can actually ride them in the middle of a bustling world famous city, at the Englischer Garten park.

Longleat Maze,Wiltshire, UK

Do you think you’d be able to free yourself from the world’s longest hedge maze? At two miles long, this labyrinth could be more complex even than that built by the mythical Daedalus.

Syri I Kalter (Blue Eye) Spring, Sarande, Albania

You wouldn’t be surprised to spot fairies or nymphs frolicking in this gorgeous and natural spring.

Rinjani Volcano, Lombok, Indonesia

This active volcano in the middle of a glorious lake is both terrifying and beautiful at the same time. I’d absolutely jump at the chance to visit.

Lost Sea Underground Lake, Tennessee, USA

This underground lake in Sweetwater, Tennessee is four acres large. You can actually take a boat tour of this amazing Lost Sea.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Munnar, India

8,000 feet above sea level stand the rolling tea hills of Kolukkumalai. Just image resting here with a nice cup of fresh tea in your hands.

Grotto, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario, Canada

If you are ever near Ontario this surely has to be your first port of call. This grotto is so bright blue beautiful it hardly seems real. But it is.

Mountainside Tombs, Fethiye, Turkey

Burial practices differ widely throughout the world, but all of them offer something special to the spectator. And this mountainside cemetery is immensely fascinating.

Lake Ohrid from Church of St. John the Theologian, Ohrid, Macedonia.

Has there ever been a more serene lake than this? The pastor and flock of this parish are certainly very blessed to be in this fabulous location.

Pyrgi village, Chios, Greece

Chios is a quite magnificent island, but perhaps the nicest part of it is this village, where you can marvel at the intricate designs that cover most of the local buildings.

Blue Cave of Bisevo, CroatiaSailing on a raft inside this special grotto is an experience no one would forget. Apparently the water turns bright blue from the sun outside, making it appear cosmically illuminated.

Trift Suspension Bridge, Alps, Switzerland

Would you dare step on this - the largest suspension bridge throughout the Swiss Alps?

Kye Gompa Monastery, Spiti Valley, Himalayas, India

Some 13,677 feet above sea level on a hill in the Spiti Valley of India sits this unique Buddhist monastery. This Himalayan scene would soothe the soul of any troubled sinner.