15 Trips You Must Take in Your Lifetime

Where would you go if you could take only one more trip for the rest of your life?

This is it! Your last trip, so you have to really make it count. Where would that last trip be? And what would you do? Think typical trip length, like a couple of weeks, and not like six months, not an RTW trip over the course of six months to 100 countries.

That was the question posted by Trippy user Spencer. He received over 31 answers and here are the 15 trips you must take in your lifetime according to travel enthusiasts who shared their thoughts on Trippy.

1. Antartica

Trippy users Lyn, Laetitia, Mark, Jeremy, and Jake, voted for Antarctica. Jake wrote:

I would definitely head to Antarctica to see one of the final frontiers on earth in isolation. I would love that otherworldly, atypical adventure.

Poseidon Expeditions is conducting a unique 23-day cruise to Antarctica, so cruisers get to witness the solar eclipse in Antarctica on December 4, 2021. The voyage starts from Ushuaia, Argentina on November 20 and returns on December 12 aboard the 114-passenger Sea Spirit. This cruise also includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island.

2. Machu Picchu

Kate and Fernando suggested Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu, known as the Lost City of the Inca, was discovered just over 100 years ago. This ancient citadel is the greatest archaeological find of our time, featuring agricultural terraces, irrigation systems, extensive stonework, and the iconic structure called Temple of the Sun.

You can hike the traditional 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or take the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Aqua Calientes and join a tour the following day to Machu Picchu. Those who seek for a more affordable option may want to check out Peru Rail to Aqua Calientes.

Please note that there are only 200 permits issued per day for the Inca Trail hike. You must reserve your hiking tours at least six months in advance.

3. Angkor Wat

Alan from Thailand wrote:

One of my favorites is Angkor Wat in Siem Reap Cambodia. It is amazing. It is also becoming more and more popular. Right now, there are no restrictions in entering, climbing on, and exploring the various sites. However, I can see soon many of those sites being closed down due to the amount of traffic and possible damage.

Now is the time to go there — loads of great hotels and restaurants to choose from. I would also recommend a local guide.

Craig from Sydney felt the same way. He suggested:

So many places to see and some destinations I would highly recommend would be Cambodia (notably the amazing Khmer Cities of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, The Bayon, etc. that are near Siem Reap).

4. Grand Canyon National Park

Trippy user Ed took his family to Grand Canyon National Park and believed it's still the best destination to choose for his last trip. He replied:

I would go for whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon National Park. This 6-day trip, Western River Expedition offers excellent guides and gourmet food. I took the family on this trip ten years ago, and everyone still rants about it. This is a trip of a lifetime that will change you forever.

There are many ways to explore Grand Canyon National Park besides going whitewater rafting. Check out camping opportunities at Havasupai and get a chance to experience Havasu Falls. The campground is usually fully booked, and reservations are highly recommended.

Grand Canyon's South Rim is open all year, and the North Rim roads are closed to all vehicles and do not offer guest services from December 1 to May 15.

5. New York City

Trippy user Sophy said:

Go to New York City for the most unexpected adventures you'd expect. Walk the city have no itinerary and discover. NY'ers are some of the most engaging people on the planet.

From Broadway and iconic movie scene locations to top-notch museums and thousands of restaurants, New York City is one of the destinations that is on everyone's bucket list. Recently New York City ranked first by Business Insider for The best cities in the world 2019.

Chris Lee from Malta voted for New York City too. He said:

I'd say New York City.

If the reason I'm having the last trip is that I'm dying, I'll blow all my money there too and live like a millionaire for the last few days of my life.

That city makes you feel so alive!

6. Galapagos

Trippy users Kate, Bruno, Nurit, and Tiffany, chose Galapagos Islands. Jacey and Scott wrote about their experience in Galapagos:

What a magical place! We did a land-based experience with Red Mangrove. It was basically three island experience on Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, and Floreana Island. We had a five-day excursion and were able to partake in both land and sea experiences, as we were boated from island to island. We were able to snorkel with marine iguanas, sea turtles, Rays and other sea life, and it was absolutely fantastic. We were also able to walk the rim of an active volcano on Isabela, spend time with Galapagos tortoises, and do some lave tube hiking. We did it a little differently than Missy, and I think she has some fantastic points. Our excursions were with no more than eight people, and that was just the one excursion. Other than that, it was either ourselves, and one other couple, or only the two of us. Bottom line is whether you consider the way we did it, with a company called Red Mangrove, or all on a boat like Missy, try to keep it as small a group as possible. It may cost a little more, but you will be rewarded with these intimate wildlife experiences you will have.

7. Hawaii

Kevin would go to Hawaii. There are six major islands to visit when in Hawaii - Oahu, Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai.

Need help choosing which island to visit? Terry from Hawaii had this to say:

Every island is amazing! Every island has fans that say it's the best island! It all depends on what you are looking to see and do. O'ahu combines the excitement and high energy of the "city" life as well as the beauty of the "country" side. The island has an endless list of activities from cultural attractions to ziplining to hiking to visiting the only royal palace on American soil!

Kaua'i is considered to be the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands; nature lovers choice. Beautiful scenery to explore including the Waimea Canyon State Park, the Na'Pali Coast State Park Coastline. Helicopter tour is the top activity and allows you to see inaccessible places on the island! Great hiking trails.

The Big Island is the most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands. The world has 13 different climate zones, and this island has 11 of the 13 zones! It also is the home of the world's most active volcano. Beautiful waterfalls and rain forests. Snow-capped mountains (seasonal).

Maui is the favorite island among many Hawaii visitors. Voted best island year after year by Conde Nast readers. Sunrise on top of Haleakalā National Park Crater, driving the road to Hana, seeing the second largest banyan tree in the world, shopping in Lahaina town.

These are the four most visited Hawaiian Islands. There are two lesser visited islands which appeal to certain visitors. Molokai where you will feel like what the other islands used to be like fifty to a hundred years ago! Laid back and completely undeveloped. Lana'i where you can go to relax.

8. Iceland

Ronald from Roanoke said:

If you have not visited Iceland, you need to visit at least once in your life. It is a breathtaking place, a geothermal country where warm water comes from the ground and is completely pure. The country does not add any chemicals to their water supply ever.

there is lake called the Blue Lagoon where the water temp is 102 degrees year round, and you can swim in it anytime the winter is the best time to visit because you also get to see the NORTHERN LIGHTS.

9. Mongolia

Trippy user Laetitia chose Mongolia. Mongolia offers a variety of outdoor experiences, from horseback riding, camping, mountain climbing, stargazing, dinosaur bone hunting, and more. It's for the adventurous and for those who want to explore untouched landscapes.

10. Florida

Steve, a fishing enthusiast from San Antonio, wrote:

I would take about two months and go fishing. Starting at Fort Lauderdale, heading south all the way down to Key West then north along the west coast of Florida along the Everglades National Park up to Naples.

Besides fishing, Florida is known for its pristine beaches, theme parks, and NASA Kennedy Space Center.

11. Spain

Brenda from Long Beach opted for Spain. She said:

Spain always and forever - the people, the food, just the vibe of the country. Most people don't understand and have a preference for Italy, or Southeast Asia. But Spain has my heart. I would have to go back to Andalucía and spend some time in Barcelona. And I would have Duende as it would be my last trip to Spain.

Besides, Spain has the best churros dipped in hot chocolate and refreshing sangria for hot summer days.

12. Greece

Trippy user Yuan from Indonesia chose Greece. You can go island-hopping or stay put in one of your favorite islands. Soak in the sun, enjoy Greek cuisine, and watch the sunset in Oia, Santorini.

13. Brazil

Claus favorite destination is Brazil, and he visited 16 times. He shared his thoughts on Brazil:

I have been to 73 countries and liked them all, but Brazil has a special place in my heart, and I have been there 16 times so far. Ouro Preto Rio de Janeiro Pantanal Recife Salvador Paraty and Pipa Beach are just some of my favorite places in Brazil.

14. Japan

Sophy from Paris would choose Japan, especially during cherry blossom season. Here's her comment about Japan:

Overall no matter where you go, you will see beauty, tradition, and just greatness. Simplicity and well thought out — beautiful locations, especially around springtime when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

15. Australia

Andi chose Australia. She wrote:

I would go home to Australia. I would fly into Ayers Rock (Uluru) to watch the sunset over the rock, then head up to Kimberley, during the wet season and take a helicopter ride across the Bungle Bungle National Park. I would end my trip on Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, eating the freshest seafood on the planet.