10 Countries Which Should Go In Your Bucket List

1. SINGAPORE

One of Asia's smallest yet most developed countries and it is also one of the most expensive countries to live in. But flight tickets are relatively cheaper compared to other Asian destinations as the Singapore Airport (SIA) is one of the major connecting hubs in the region with flights from as far as San Francisco, USA. Also, tourists from many countries are able to visit the country with an on-arrival visa which is very convenient for tourists and also businessman. A three day trip would be more than enough to visit most of the tourist spots in this tiny island. Some of the main highlights include Gardens By The Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Universal Studios at Sentosa Island and Little India. Commuting around the city is very convenient as the public transport system reaches all ends of the country. Accommodation can be very expensive and therefore it is a not a trip you should plan on doing on a budget, but it's definitely a must visit.

2. BANGLADESH

Located bordering India & Myanmar and Bengali as their mother tongue, Bangladesh is famous for the world class apparel industry which is responsible for more 80% of the country's income. If you check the tag of an item of clothing you are wearing right now, it'll most probably say "MADE IN BANGLADESH". Even though the country is not famous for tourism, it has its fare share of places to see and visit. Dhaka, the capital of the country is connected with other major cities such as Chittagong, Cox's Bazar and Sylhet by multiple cheap domestic flight services. Cox's Bazar is the world's longest sand beach and is a must visit during a trip to Bangladesh. During the ride through the country, you'll definitely end up getting a rickshaw which is a must and if you are able to spot a Bengali Tiger in the habitat, that would definitely be the highlight of your trip. The three wheelers can also come in handy but you'll feel like you are being transported to a prison as they are covered in metal grills to avoid buglary. The country has a dynamic range of mouth watering food and garlic naan with some chicken tikka masala is a personal favourite. Bangladesh is a country which you can do on a budget for sure, but the plane ticket can be a bit expensive. An itineray of atleast 7 days is required if you are planning to cover two cities or more.

3. INDIA

Most people might have not been to India, but they have definitely tried Indian food at least once in their life time. That is how big the country is and no two parts of the country is the same. Hindi is mostly spoken and life styles, customs, food and festivals change gradually as you travel from the North to the South. New Delhi is the financial capital of the country and is a modern city with industries such as IT and engineering which is rapidly growing. In the meantime there is a lot to see in the capital which includes historically and architecturally important buildings such as The India Gate, Qutub Minar and Red Fort. Moving away from the capital, The Taj Mahal is a definite visit which can be finished off by checking out The Golden Temple. Along the way don't forget to tick off the dosas, roti and samosas off your food checklist. India is also a relatively cheap destination but you might want to have a slightly big budget as there are so many places to visit and your trip will most probably last at least 10 days.

4. ENGLAND

England is home to many things. Beautiful cities, technology, world class universities and Europe’s commercial hub. It is a country with a lot history and also many foreigners can relate to much of it, thanks to British Colonization in the past centuries. Some of the main cities include London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. While there are so many places to see in England, London should undoubtedly go in the must visit places. The city is so massive, you will not run out of things to do. Taking a stroll along river Thames near Canary Wharf, visiting some of the museums such as The Natural History Museum and Science Museum, roaming around Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus is always a good start for your journey. While you are enjoying the city do not forget to take the London Underground as it will drag you into an entirely different world of urbanization. By the way no matter where you are in the country, you will always find a bar to go to. Each of them having many varieties of beer and ales which are locally produced is always fun to try out. Towards the north of the country, regions such as Lake District will mind blow you as the views of the mountains are out of this world and is totally the opposite of the major cities in England. There are so many activities to do which includes trekking, waterfall hunting, kayaking and even sky diving if you are up for it. All in all, it is a difficult task to put a finger on the places to visit in this part of the world as the opportunities are infinite. You will require a high budget no matter what activities you plan on doing, but it all depends on what you want to do and where you want to go.

5. SCOTLAND

Belonging to the Northern UK, Scotland has a history which goes back ages. Even though you might not get a chance to see the Loch Ness Monster, you will come across many historic things. Edinburgh is the capital of the country and the city has two different parts. The old city is the place to go to as you will find the Edinburgh Castle where you can join an interesting historical tour. There are beautiful old bars which is perfect to grab a pint or two. We cannot forget their world famous Scottish whiskies and The Scotch Whiskey Experience will enlighten you on the detailed process of whisky making. The bus or tram is the easiest way to get around and if you visit Arthur’s Seat you will be able to capture a panoramic view of the entire city. The climb can be a bit tricky, specially with the wet weather, therefore it is recommended to stay clothed appropriately. National Museum of Scotland has a great collection of history and is recommended if you have any spare time. Complete two days should be sufficient to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh, but if you are planning to visit any other cities you might want to dedicate a week or so.

6. IRELAND

The moment you think of Ireland, the first thing you would recall is Guinness Beer and three leafed clovers. But for those who are not aware, it is also famous for building the ill-fated RMS Titanic. While Belfast is the easiest city to get into, Giant’s Causeway situated towards northern most part of Ireland is a natural marvel which is too good to be real. If you are planning to stick to the capital, there’s enough and more things to do within two to three days. If you are a beer fan, you can visit the Guinness Storehouse for a beerperience. Visiting Titanic Belfast will give you an in-depth knowledge of the ship building industry and there are beautiful souvenirs available to purchase. Since it is a port city, the most fun way to travel around would be to rent one of the Belfast bikes as you can explore at your will and cheap mode of transportation as well. A guided tour at the Crumlin Road Gaol prison is also an interesting item to add to your itinerary. Ireland has enough and more castles all around and the Belfast Castle looks like it’s right out of a fairy tale. Ireland has a bit of everything, so everyone has something to do around. Also the weather can be chilly or wet most of the time, therefore it is wise to be ready with appropriate clothing.

7. ITALY

Your life would be incomplete if you do not visit Italy. It is a country rich in history, art and the home of pizza. While there are many cities where you can visit, Rome is the easiest and cheapest to get tickets to no matter where you come from. The Colosseum is a magnificent piece of architecture which shows how advanced the Roman Empire was during its time. Other attractions include Fontana di Trevi, Spanish steps and the Roman Forum. You will have to purchase a ticket for the last place mentioned above and the Colosseum but it is totally worth it. There are enough and more souvenir shops around these iconic landmarks and they are very cheap as well. Best way to travel is by foot, due to the fact that many attractions are close by once you are in the city. Or else you can always catch the noisy trams which is a very fun experience. Don’t forget to try those mouth watering Italian dishes and you will find enough and more restaurants around every corner with nice patios. If you are planning to visit only Rome a mere 3 days would be more than enough for your travels. By the time you leave, I guarantee that you will keep a little piece of your heart in Italy.

8. VATICAN CITY

Vatican City is a buy one get one option when you visit Italy. Even though it is situated within Rome, it does count as its own country. It is the home of the Catholic Church and comprises of amazing architecture and beautiful structures which will keep you awe struck. You can visit the surrounding areas within a full day and the St. Peter’s Basilica should not be missed. You will have to purchase a ticket to get to the rooftop dome but the view is totally worth it. Sistine Chapel hosts the world famous ceiling paintings by Michelangelo and if you are a fan of the book Angels & Demons by Dan Brown, you will be more than happy to see the spiraling staircase when you exit the chapel. It is very unlikely you will get a chance to see the Pope but you can definitely snap a picture next to a Swiss Guard.

9. DENMARK

Rated as one of the happiest nations on the planet and is also famous for its thousands of kilometers of dedicated cycle lanes around the country. Copenhagen is the capital of the country and is a vibrant city which can be called the home of Carlsberg beer. Best way to get around is by cycling or else if you are planning to stay in the city for a few days, getting a Copenhagen card is the best option as you can pick the number of days and it gives you unlimited access to all modes of public transport. Taking a scenic trip on a boat around Nyhavn is splendid and you can see The Little Mermaid statue, but it is better to take a walk from the land side to get a better view. If you visit during the summer, Tivoli Gardens is a fun experience for all ages and it is the second oldest amusement park operating today. Catch a bus to Rosenborg Castle and the Christiansborg Palace where you will be able to admire the beauty and history of these magnificent structures. Reach the top of The Round Tower and you are guaranteed with a nice view of the surrounding city. National Museum of Denmark and the Copenhagen Opera House adds detail into the city and many of them gives you free access or discounted tickets for the Copenhagen Card. BTW, if you figure out that you have some spare time, don’t forget to visit the Copenhagen Zoo which has a variety of species from all around the world.

10. NETHERLANDS

Also known as Holland, Netherlands is picturesque country which is known for its waterways and given the fact that most of the country is below sea level, it is an engineering marvel. To get a real feel of the country, you need to get into the country side where you’ll be able to see windmills everywhere and if it is the season, Instagram worthy tulip fields will be abundant. Keukenhof Tulip Fields is one such landscape and the tickets are reasonably priced which will also provide transportation from and to the city. Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum is of high historical importance and are must visits. Amsterdam, the capital is popular for its Marijuana and the Red Light District. It is a good experience to take a walk around the city and learn the history which will make you understand what Amsterdam is and why it is so. Netherlands is also a huge fan of cycling and it is actually convenient to get around while sight seeing as you can go at your own pace. The Van Gogh Museum dedicated for the world famous artist, displays some of his masterpieces. The Dutch are good cheesemakers too, therefore you will be able to get your hands on some of the finest cheese in the region. If you are a street food lover, there are plenty of shops selling thick cut fries (Frites), served with different sauces and melting cheese dips which is delicious. For a journey which includes Amsterdam and any other cities, a five to seven day itinerary is recommended. Public transportation is extremely good and efficient, so the commute should be hassle free.

Countries and destinations mentioned above are some of the places I have visited in my past travel experiences. While there are many other places to visit in the above countries, these are a set of personal recomendations to help you decide on your travel plan. It is always a good idea to use a travel guide book in advance to plan your activites. I recommend Lonely Planet books as they give an in depth report on each country and local area which includes hundreds of recommendations. If you like this article, please do like and share.

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