DESTINATION GUIDES

12 Bucket List Adventures to Take in 2026

12 Bucket List Adventures to Take in 2026

As we move through 2026, the world has never felt more accessible or full of specialised wonders. From the long-awaited unveiling of massive cultural archives in Egypt to the rare astronomical peak of the Northern Lights, this year offers a unique alignment of events for the intentional traveller. Whether you are looking for the raw geological power of an active volcano in Japan or the silent, mirrored modernism of the Saudi desert, these twelve destinations represent the absolute pinnacle of global adventure for the current calendar year.

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Ahangama, Sri Lanka: Where to Stay, Eat and Surf
Sri Lanka, Ahangama, Asia, Foodies, Adventure, Hotel Reviews, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman Sri Lanka, Ahangama, Asia, Foodies, Adventure, Hotel Reviews, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman

Ahangama, Sri Lanka: Where to Stay, Eat and Surf

Ahangama sits on Sri Lanka’s south coast between Galle and Mirissa, a low key coastal town that has grown into one of the country’s most talked about surf destinations. What was once a stretch of railway tracks, roadside cafés and fishermen on stilts is now a compact hub of boutique hotels, design led cafés and consistent reef breaks. Ahangama feels purposeful rather than polished. Days revolve around the ocean, coffee stops and slow evenings, with enough places to eat and stay that it works for longer trips without losing its local rhythm. You come here for surf first, but you stay for the ease of it all, beaches within walking distance, creative spaces, and a town that still functions as a working Sri Lankan community.

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Review: CitizenM Rome Isola Tiberina
Italy, Hotel Reviews, Europe, City Breaks, Rome, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Italy, Hotel Reviews, Europe, City Breaks, Rome, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Review: CitizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

Walking out onto the cobbled streets of Rome one September morning, it felt like everything was within reach. The river’s gentle hum, historic façades dripping with stories, and the promise of gelato round the corner set the scene perfectly. For the ideal base, I stayed at the citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina, part of the wider citizenM family now under Marriott Bonvoy. The hotel retains its distinctive for the people ethos while offering the reliability, reach, and loyalty benefits of one of the world’s largest hotel networks.

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Two Weeks in England Road Trip Itinerary

Two Weeks in England Road Trip Itinerary

If you want to see England beyond its big cities, this two‑week road trip takes you on a complete circular route starting and ending in London. Travelling by car gives you the freedom to reach places that trains don’t always serve directly, from the university charm of Cambridge and the quiet coast of Skegness to the rolling hills of the Peak District and the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. The route continues through the historic streets of Bath, down to the south coast at Bournemouth with a stop at Stonehenge, before following the shoreline to Brighton and back to London. It’s a varied journey that shows you England’s countryside, coast and culture in one trip.

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Top Cities to Visit in Japan That Aren’t Tokyo
Japan, Asia, City Breaks, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman Japan, Asia, City Breaks, Solo Travel, Backpacking, Budget Sophie Alexander-Osman

Top Cities to Visit in Japan That Aren’t Tokyo

Over four months sailing around southern Japan on a cruise ship, I had the chance to visit these cities multiple times and truly get to know what makes each one special. From the powerful history preserved in Hiroshima to the vibrant street food culture of Osaka, and from the peaceful beaches of Okinawa to the volcanic landscapes of Kagoshima, these cities offer a wide range of experiences that show Japan’s rich diversity. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, local cuisine, or unique cultural traditions, you’ll find plenty to explore here. This list highlights the top cities to visit in Japan that reveal the country’s character beyond the usual tourist routes.

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Best National Parks to Visit in the USA This Summer

Best National Parks to Visit in the USA This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of America's national parks. Whether you're drawn to towering mountains, desert canyons, lush forests, or coastal trails, the USA offers something for every kind of traveller. This guide highlights the best national parks to visit in the summer months — places where the weather is ideal, the scenery is spectacular, and the adventure is nonstop.

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The Ultimate Aswan Bucket List: Top Places to Visit and Explore
Aswan, Egypt, Africa, Adventure, City Breaks, Budget, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman Aswan, Egypt, Africa, Adventure, City Breaks, Budget, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman

The Ultimate Aswan Bucket List: Top Places to Visit and Explore

Aswan is a small city in southern Egypt, known for its temples, islands, and links to Nubian culture. It’s a common stop on Nile cruises and an easy base for visiting major sites like Philae Temple and Abu Simbel. The city is walkable, affordable, and less chaotic than Cairo or Alexandria, making it a good place to slow down while still seeing key parts of ancient Egypt. I wasn’t expecting Aswan to be so naturally beautiful—the Nile is wide and calm here, with rocky islands and desert landscapes on either side. The Nubian people are incredibly welcoming, and the food is fantastic. Life here feels simple, with small boats being the main way to get around.

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Exploring Luxor: The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum

Exploring Luxor: The World's Greatest Open-Air Museum

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Nile River, Luxor is often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum — and it’s easy to see why. This ancient city is a treasure trove of history, where every corner reveals stories carved in stone and echoes of a civilisation that shaped the course of human history. From the towering columns of Karnak Temple to the mysterious tombs hidden deep within the Valley of the Kings, Luxor offers an unforgettable journey through time.

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The Ultimate Cairo Travel Guide: Best Places to Stay, Eat and Explore

The Ultimate Cairo Travel Guide: Best Places to Stay, Eat and Explore

Cairo is exactly what you expect — and yet, it still manages to surprise you. Loud, hot, completely alive. The kind of city that doesn’t ease you in gently, it just sweeps you up in its chaos and colour. One minute you’re weaving through traffic that somehow works without rules, the next you’re standing still beneath the Pyramids, barely believing they’re real. It’s gritty and grand all at once, with layers of history, street noise, spice and smoke. And somehow, it all just works. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Cairo always gives you something unexpected.

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50 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Musandam, Oman

50 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Musandam, Oman

If you’re based in the UAE, Oman - or heading this way on your travels, you must visit Musandam. Ever since I got my PADI license, people told me, ‘You have to scuba dive in Oman.’ They weren’t wrong, as I was completely blown away. From the marine life, rugged mountains, calm waters and close proximity to Dubai, Musandam is no doubt the best dive spot in the region.

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A Guide to Visiting Glencoe, Scotland

A Guide to Visiting Glencoe, Scotland

Glencoe is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. With towering mountains, calm lochs, clean air, cascading waterfalls and scenic routes that take your breath away at every angle. Glencoe is just a 30-minute drive away from Ben Nevis and the town of Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands.

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Moving to Dubai - Everything You Need to Know
Dubai, Middle East, Solo Travel, United Arab Emirates Sophie Alexander-Osman Dubai, Middle East, Solo Travel, United Arab Emirates Sophie Alexander-Osman

Moving to Dubai - Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered why so many people move to Dubai? It’s a baby compared to the other major cities in the world. However in recent years, it’s become a top destination for tourists and expats. It’s the most populous city in the UAE and boasts a luxurious lifestyle, of beautiful beaches, huge skyscrapers and most importantly, job opportunities. It is also in the top 10 of safest cities in the world.

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Paradise Islands of Japan: Okinawa, Ishigaki & Miyakojima
Asia, Japan, Full Guide, Adventure, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman Asia, Japan, Full Guide, Adventure, Solo Travel, Backpacking Sophie Alexander-Osman

Paradise Islands of Japan: Okinawa, Ishigaki & Miyakojima

Japan has way more to offer than just bustling cities, culture and incredible food. The country is made up of over 6,000 islands and is surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. Whilst travelling and working on a cruise ship in 2017, one of our main routes was sailing to three islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan's mainland. Okinawa, Miyakojima and Ishigaki are all in the Okinawa Prefecture.

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A Guide to Visiting The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

A Guide to Visiting The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

On everyone’s bucket list - right? I studied Ancient Egypt in primary school and remember being completely obsessed with the subject. Pharaohs, Pyramids, Hieroglyphics, all of it. I was intrigued that artefacts and mummies are constantly being discovered and the Pyramids are still standing after 4,500 years.

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A Guide to Visiting Iceland in a Camper Van
Backpacking, Europe, Iceland, Roadtrips, Full Guide, Solo Travel, Budget, Adventure Sophie Alexander-Osman Backpacking, Europe, Iceland, Roadtrips, Full Guide, Solo Travel, Budget, Adventure Sophie Alexander-Osman

A Guide to Visiting Iceland in a Camper Van

Iceland is a country that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. It’s not every day you’re surrounded by raw, natural beauty and dramatic, un-touched landscapes, that Iceland has. There’s so much to see and do that you’ll need multiple trips to cover the whole country.

Let me paint the perfect picture of our trip.

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