For the foodie bucket-lister, one Michelin star gained’t do it. Two stars come shut, however what you actually need is the unforgettable expertise of eating at eating places distinguished with three coveted stars. There are 13 such eating places within the US alone, from the west to east coasts, providing delicacies that ranges from vegan (Eleven Madison Park in New York) to Asian (Benu in San Francisco) and modern American (The Inn at Little Washington). Safe eating reservations earlier than you e-book flights to the US and maybe prolong your credit score restrict forward of time. Blow the finances as sky-high because the Empire State on the omakase menu on the unique, fixed-price Masa in New York. See information.michelin.com

Catch a blockbuster to recollect

For those who love the joys of a reside music efficiency, Las Vegas needs to be your bucket checklist vacation spot. Launched in September, the $US2.3 billion ($3.5 billion) Sphere has already been named the perfect live performance venue on the planet. U2 christened the 18,600-seat auditorium, the world’s largest spherical construction, with a sold-out residency. Till the subsequent headliner is introduced, nab tickets to the 50-minute Postcards from Earth multisensory present or just gaze on the unbelievable, wraparound LED shell that measures 111 metres tall and 157 metres broad. See thespherevegas.com

Gentle up your life

Fleeting, dazzling and unforgettable, the spectacular aurora borealis may be seen in northern Canada, the place there’s the next probability than nearly anyplace on the earth to see the elusive lights paint the night time sky in inexperienced, pink and purple hues. The polar extremities of the globe are the northern lights capitals, making Churchill, Nunavut, Newfoundland and the Northwest Territories prime viewing spots. Generally regarded as a winter phenomenon, the lights may be seen throughout any season, Canadians will let you know, each night time between 10pm and 2am. See journey.destinationcanada.com

Grin and bear it

Pack the zoom lens. Polar bears can weigh as much as nearly 700 kilograms and stand as much as three metres in top. The magnificent white beasts of the wild are finest seen from a protected distance. The Canadian Arctic city of Churchill, Manitoba has earned the moniker of Polar Bear Capital of the World, due to frequent sightings. Hop aboard Lazy Bear Expeditions’ new, custom-built Arctic Crawler vessel to trace and observe the bears of their pure atmosphere. For the extra adventurous traveller, there’s a brand new Inuit-owned eco-tour of the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay. On the five-day journey, spot polar bears, musk ox and caribou in a pristine area of Quebec. See lazybearlodge.com; indigenousquebec.com

Dive into the life aquatic

Mexico is likely one of the finest locations on the earth to swim with whale sharks, the most important fish within the ocean. Regardless of the fearsome title, whale sharks are reportedly a docile, laid-back companion to those that dive into the attractive waters surrounding Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and La Paz. A once-in-a-lifetime expertise for a lot of, it’s vital to e-book with moral, skilled guides who comply with all security protocols and provides the mild giants of the ocean loads of room to maneuver. See mexicowhaleshark.com

Honour the dearly departed in Mexico

Joyful, sentimental, typically humorous and positively life-affirming, Mexico’s Day of the Lifeless is an annual celebration to recollect the dearly departed. Household and associates come collectively over tequila and candy pastries, whereas the streets are alive with copious garlands of marigold flowers and votive candles. There are dozens of occasions in Mexico Metropolis, however for a extra conventional expertise, journey to the town of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Typically held from October 31 to November 2, you may anticipate parades, reside music, dancing, face portray and elaborate costumes. It’s good to e-book lodging a number of months prematurely. See intrepidtravel.com

Reside the Caribbean dream

The Caribbean is wildly widespread with Individuals and Europeans, however not a lot with Australians. Add a short-hop flight from the US East Coast to swim in turquoise water, rum cocktail in hand and reggae music in your ears. In Grenada, Six Senses La Sagesse opens in April, providing 56 luxurious pool suites and 15 villas. There’s a Six Senses spa and farm-to-table eating all day at Callaloo. Reside the Virgin life on Necker Island, Richard Branson’s personal island retreat within the British Virgin Islands. Particular person stays may be booked throughout sure weeks of the 12 months, in any other case, a expensive buy-out is required. See sixsenses.com; virginlimitededition.com

Shake it in a Carnival parade

Positive, you’ve heard of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, however do you know it’s additionally celebrated in lots of Caribbean international locations? Origin theories abound; some say the custom dates again to 18th-century Trinidad when enslaved folks had been banned from taking part in masquerade balls main as much as Lent. They rebelled, creating their very own vibrant costumes, music and events. At present, it’s a welcoming, flamboyant and joyous time to kick up your heels and be part of the parade. Shake it in Turks and Caicos, Barbados, the Bahamas and Jamaica, the house of reggae. Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, held in February, is arguably the Caribbean’s greatest and finest. See visittrinidad.tt

Get into a complete flap over wild flamingoes

Do you know a bunch of flamingoes is named a flamboyance? Motive sufficient so as to add an encounter to your bucket checklist. Regal, with supermodel-long legs and a feathery coat in lots of shades of pink, there are an estimated 15,000 to twenty,000 flamingoes on the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. The island has designated sanctuaries and strict distancing legal guidelines to guard the attractive birds. Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary is one in all solely 4 official breeding grounds on the earth, which implies a assured flamboyance sighting, however you have to binoculars. See bonaireisland.com

Chart a wholly new cruise course

Embrace the Costa Rican nationwide motto, pura vida (“pure life”), within the Central American nation ranked one of many happiest locations on the planet. Aurora Expeditions’ Costa Rica and Panama Canal cruise explores this extremely biodiverse area, with a deal with immersion and enrichment. Meaning getting off the ship as a lot as doable for mountaineering, birdwatching, paddleboarding and extra actions. With a most of 132 passengers per voyage, there’s loads of one-on-one consideration from skilled guides, naturalists and expedition leaders. A go to to the Embera tribe within the distant Darien Nationwide Park and a assured daylight crossing of the Panama Canal are included. See auroraexpeditions.com.au

Sway to the land of a thousand rhythms

Been to Colombia but? The sassy South American nation is welcoming vacationers like by no means earlier than, with new excursions and cruises designed to showcase the colourful tradition, historical past and meals. Main luxurious tour operator Abercrombie and Kent gives a 14-day tour, Colombia Revealed, that journeys from the capital, Bogota, to the cobbled streets of Cartagena, to the center of espresso nation and the fascinating metropolis of Medellin. Be one of many first to cruise the magnificent Magdalena River when AmaWaterways launches two brand-new seven-night itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla in November 2024. See abercrombiekent.com.au, amawaterways.com

Be awestruck in and on the Amazon

Take a deep breath within the lush Amazon rainforest, also known as the inexperienced lungs of the planet. Whenever you journey to the Ecuadorian Amazon, you might be getting into a nook of the planet that few travellers have skilled firsthand. Wildlife fans will likely be captivated by the jaguars, monkeys and unique birds of their pure habitat, all the higher seen from the deck of a luxurious small ship. The 18-suite MV Anakonda cruise voyage begins within the vibrant metropolis of Quito earlier than crusing the Amazon River in fashion. Itineraries vary from three to seven nights. See anakondaamazoncruises.com

Reside it up on the newest US six-stars

Raffles Lodges and Resorts model turned heads when it selected Boston as the situation of its first US property. Opened in September 2023, 35-storey Raffles Boston has a 20-metre indoor pool, gorgeous metropolis views and a Guerlain spa. Within the Large Apple, well-heeled lodge company scoff on the notion of a looming recession. Excessive-rollers test in to Aman New York, the place suites begin from $US2000 ($3075) an evening. On Kauai, Hawaii’s Backyard Island, embrace the sustainable magnificence and transformative wellness facilities of 1 Lodge Hanalei Bay. See raffles.com; aman.com; 1hotels.com

Q+A: The Americas

Brett Mitchell, Intrepid Journey Australia New Zealand

I really like the Americas as a result of … North America is full of vibrant cities, nice nationwide parks to discover and varied arts and tradition to expertise whereas South America has wealthy cultures, superb meals and gorgeous locations.

For me, the most popular new bucket checklist vacation spot within the Americas is … Yosemite in North America, a hidden treasure that helps you escape the crowds and see one of many many wonders, with an incredible stargazing expertise, whereas within the south it’s the Galapagos Islands; everybody will likely be including swimming with sea turtles to their bucket checklist.

The one traditional bucket checklist vacation spot for the Americas is… two-fold – Yellowstone in North America which has not solely gained recognition as a result of hit TV present of the identical title, however can also be North America’s first nationwide park. In terms of South America, it goes with out saying: Machu Picchu.

The one massive concern for travellers when visiting the Americas is… over-tourism in vacationer hotspots like Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas. When travellers arrive at these locations, they’re shocked by the massive crowds, lengthy traces and better costs. It may additionally hurt iconic locations, like Machu Picchu, which has seen the erosion of sure stone constructions in consequence. Look into travelling the trail that’s lesser identified or travelling in off-peak season. Not solely will you beat the crowds, however you’ll uncover hidden gems that you just didn’t know existed.

You could be a higher traveller to the Americas by ensuring that you just… take time to grasp and admire the varied cultures, customs, ethnicities, traditions, and existence. Being open-minded and respectful will improve your general expertise.

My one massive journey tip for the Americas is… at all times plan forward, hold your cellphone batteries absolutely charged, keep in mind to tip, and don’t neglect so as to add GST to the value tag.