Bora Bora is often described as the ultimate paradise on earth. The island is located in the Pacific Ocean and is known for its crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and luxurious water bungalows. A dream location for those who love snorkeling, diving and relaxing in the sun.

Why should Bora Bora be on your bucket list? It is almost impossible to put into words. This destination seems like a fairytale, and only your own eyes can confirm that. The natural beauty, the luxury resorts: it is no wonder that this is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Please note: the dry season runs from May to October in French Polynesia. Not averse to a tropical rain shower and traveling on a smaller budget? Then the rainy season might actually be the way to go. the way to go to be!

Please be aware: Carnival in Brazil is also the best week of the year for pickpockets. You wouldn't be the first, and certainly not the last, tourist to leave home with a substantial amount of belongings (wallet, phone, camera, jewelry, etc.) and return empty-handed. It is therefore often recommended to leave as much as possible in your hotel (yes, even your beloved mobile phone) or to store everything really securely. And also practical: prices in Rio de Janeiro skyrocket during Carnival. So book on time and make sure you arrange your reservations and payments well in advance. If you have a credit card with the Dutch company ICS, you can reach ICS 24/7 for loss or theft. That is a reassuring thought when you are heading into the chaos of Carnival in Rio.

Brazil is, of course, much more than just Carnival and Rio de Janeiro. Should you fly that way, it is absolutely worth exploring more of this gigantic country. Paraty (a lovely city with beautiful nature) and Ilha Grande (an island with delightful beaches and plenty of peace and quiet), for example, are located very close to Rio – by Brazilian standards, that is; we Dutch people already consider the distance from Groningen to Maastricht to be far.

Australia is big. Very big. The ultimate way to really discover the country? The Lap: a roadtrip Past all the iconic highlights, from the golden beaches and the Sydney Opera House to the vast Outback and Uluru, from the Great Ocean Road to the rugged coasts of Western Australia. Simply the whole country in one adventure. Count on at least six months for the entire round trip. Some travelers even take a year. Not that much time? No problem. Visiting one of the beautiful regions in a few weeks is just as magical. The best way to travel is with your own car or campervan: plenty of freedom, many cheap or free campsites, and the ultimate roadtrip-feeling. Public transport, on the other hand, is usually not an option outside the Greyhounds bus on the east coast. The distances between the cities are simply too great. Oh right, and before you ask… No, not everything is deadly in Australia. People like to exaggerate.

More cool roadtrips? Look here once.

In Norway, another true bucket-list experience awaits: swimming with orcas. Isn't that dangerous? No, miraculously not. The orca may be the king of the sea, but they have never attacked humans in the wild. Being able to see such intelligent creatures up close and in their natural habitat is truly special. The water is really cold, though, and the orcas are only there during the coldest months (October through January). That does save you an ice bath (also a popular experience in Norway). You also often see other mammals, such as humpback whales, and there is a chance you can immediately cross the Northern Lights off your list as well. One big bucket-list party.

Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic sights in the world. This ancient Inca city is located high in the mountains of Peru, surrounded by misty valleys and green peaks. It is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world and is on many travelers' bucket lists.

The best way to reach Machu Picchu is via the famous Inca Trail, a four-day trek through the mountains past many beautiful spots. It is a tough hike, but ultimately it is more than worth it. When you see the view of the lost city of the Incas, you know why you did it, and you would certainly do it again in a heartbeat.

Someday I am going to learn to dive, skydive, the Mount Everest “Climb, run a marathon”… you know the ones: all those (good) resolutions. But the older you get, the less freedom you often have. And let’s be honest: you probably won’t just run a marathon at 60, let alone Mount Everest. So it’s time to stop putting that bucket list off and just go for it.

Has running a marathon always been one of those dreams? Cool. But if you're only doing it once (or a few times), you might as well make the most of it. Here are a few awesome options: spot the Big Five during the Big Five Marathon in South AfricaRun through breathtaking landscapes at the Buller Gorge Marathon in New ZealandDiscover the centuries-old Angkor Wat during the Angkor Wat Half Marathon in CambodiaSee world wonder Petra during the Petra Desert Marathon in Jordan. Or go for the classic of classics: the marathon of New York City. Prefer something closer to home? Consider the marathon of Paris: running along the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, and croissants as a reward.

The thought of a large shark swimming dangerously close to you or swimming around 18 meters underwater might give you the shivers. We totally get that. But if you never try, you'll never know, right? And no stress, you don't have to do it right away. all-in to go and get your license – you can just start calmly with a try diveBut beware: there is a good chance you will have a pricey hobby on your hands afterwards.

So, how expensive is it to get a diving certification? An open-water course costs you between 400 and 600 euros on average. But that is an investment for the rest of your life. And why get your certification in the Netherlands when it can be done much cheaper and more beautifully somewhere else? A few popular (and affordable) options are: Koh Tao in Thailand, Egypt, Honduras, and Bali. Then you can immediately cross many more things off your bucket list.

• Maido in Lima, Peru – World's best restaurant of 2025. Lima was already a foodie hotspot, but this restaurant is a real one. black.
• Alchemist in Copenhagen, Denmark – A spectacle of art, storytelling and 50+ (!) Next Level dishes.
• Salsify at the Roundhouse in Cape Town (Camps Bay), South Africa – In a historic round building at the foot of the mountains near Camps Bay, with a breathtaking view.
• The Deanery just outside Paris, France – A kind of French countryside dream, but modern, situated in the middle of an estate with food from its own garden.
• Aponiente in El Puerto de Santa María, Spain – Aponiente It is located in an old 19th-century tidal mill close to the sea and on a river. The food is therefore an ode to the sea.
• Ark in Tulum, Mexico – A open-air Jungle restaurant where you eat under the stars, among palm trees, and fire.

With your ICS Credit Card, you don't have the hassle of exchange rates or separate currencies. It simply travels with you as your digital travel buddy. And if necessary, you can withdraw money for a fee at all Visa or Mastercard ATMs. Handy when you really need it, and certainly nice when traveling to exotic destinations and the most exciting restaurants.

Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan and is known for its temples, traditional tea houses and beautiful Japanese gardens. In spring, the city is transformed into a fairytale when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. This is also a great time to visit this beautiful city.

Walk through bamboo forests, visit the golden temple Kinkaku-ji or enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Kyoto is a destination where you can completely relax and experience the rich Japanese culture. Tip from flip.

Carnival in Rio might be at the top of your party bucket list, but you shouldn't underestimate Thailand either. From the biggest and craziest parties to unique festivals – Thailand have it all. Also for those who aren't such a party animal there are nice options. One of those festivals is Yi Peng. At this festival, a huge number go every November. Khom Loi (hot air balloon lanterns) simultaneously into the air. Especially in Northern Thailand, with Chiang Mai as the epicenter, this is handled on a grand scale. It is linked to the Lanna New Year (according to the traditional calendar of Northern Thailand) and is intended to let go of misfortune, worries, and sins. Unfortunately, it is absolutely bad for the environment, but it is very special.

Another – and much more famous – awesome festival is SongkranThe festival is intended to celebrate the Thai New Year (the beginning of the solar calendar year). Officially, the celebration is usually held throughout Thailand from April 13–15, although in some regions it continues for a few days longer. The idea is simple: a giant water fight. The goal? Cleansing the mind, but you do that very literally.

No no, if spending a night in a cell is on your bucket list, you really don't have to commit a crime anymore. And fortunately, in Almelo at The Custody Also, it shows how you can turn an old prison into a luxurious experience. The cells (and other spaces) have been transformed into comfortable rooms, with all the modern amenities you need for a good night away. Only in the corridors and on the exterior do you still see elements of the old prison. This way, you combine a unique experience with a good night's sleep.

Sleeping in such a prison is certainly an original concept, but the one in Almelo is no longer the only one of its kind. In the Netherlands, for instance, you also have Het Arresthuis in Roermond and the Lloyd Hotel in Amsterdam. If you are looking for an even more authentic experience, you should go to Australia – to Perth, on the west coast. Very little has really changed regarding the interior there since it ceased to be a prison.