Skip to main content

This U.S. attraction was just revealed as the top bucket list destination in the world

Yosemite took the top spot

Yosemite Firefall at Yosemite National Park in Winter
Katie Rodriguez / Unsplash

If you’re planning your next bucket list adventure, you might not have to travel far. According to a new study by Iglu Cruise, which analyzed Google search trends from January 2024 to January 2025, Yosemite National Park has been crowned the top bucket list destination in the world. With a 96% increase in searches year-over-year, this iconic U.S. park has captured the attention of travelers worldwide.

Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is renowned for its gorgeous landscapes, including ancient sequoia trees, cascading waterfalls, and towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, favorites among adventure seekers and rock climbers. 

Recommended Videos

Which other destinations made the list?

China
JLP1988 / Pixabay

Following Yosemite, the Great Wall of China claimed the second spot, with a 62% increase in searches year-over-year. A monumental piece of Chinese history, the 13,000-mile-long wall dates back to the 7th century, with its most famous sections built during the Ming Dynasty in the late 1300s as a defense against invaders. 

Coming in third is Pompeii, with a 56% increase in searches. Located in Southern Italy’s Campania region, this ancient city remains one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Buried under volcanic ash by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii offers a well-preserved glimpse into daily life in the Roman Empire.

Here’s the full list of the top bucket list destinations, according to Iglu Cruise.

  1. Yosemite: 96% increase in searches
  2. Great Wall of China: 62% increase in searches
  3. Pompeii: 56% increase in searches
  4. Niagara Falls: 51% increase in searches
  5. Serengeti: 36% increase in searches
  6. Stonehenge: 33% increase in searches
  7. Dead Sea: 29% increase in searches
  8. Himalayas: 28% increase in searches
  9. Pyramids of Giza: 26% increase in searches
  10. Grand Canyon: 11% increase in searches
Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Tauck is changing the way you travel in your 40s and 50s with new curated adventures
Roam by Tauck invites you to slow down during your travels
Roam by Tauck

Tauck, a global leader in upscale guided travel celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is introducing a brand-new way to explore the world. The company has unveiled Roam by Tauck, its first new brand in more than a decade, designed specifically for travelers in their 40s and 50s.

Roam by Tauck promises a fresh take on luxury travel, offering small-group journeys averaging just 16 guests per departure and balancing flexibility, active adventures, and signature experiences. By 2027, the brand will debut 12 itineraries across six continents, with at least five journeys launching in 2026.

Read more
Chef explains why Charleston beats NYC as America’s top foodie spot
Charleston outranks NYC as the best foodie city -- here's why
Charleston

When Tripadvisor revealed its Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2025 earlier this summer, one ranking raised eyebrows: Charleston, South Carolina, beat out heavyweights like New York City, Bangkok, and Copenhagen to secure its place as one of the top foodie destinations in the world. Coming in at No. 12 overall, Charleston is more popular than ever, and according to local chef and consultant Nathan Thurston, the rise has been decades in the making.

Thurston, co-founder of Millers All Day, home to South Carolina’s most celebrated breakfast sandwich, says the city’s food scene is rooted in careful planning and authentic flavor. “I believe this was initially created by past Charleston mayor, Joe Riley in the mid-1980s,” he explains. “Riley conducted a feasibility study that was instrumental in bringing the legendary Charleston Place Hotel (+ Conference Center) to the market, followed by a number of premium tier hotels and restaurants. This development plus the pristine natural assets of the city including five pristine area beaches, stunning historic homes and landmarks, and jaw-dropping sunsets was the perfect recipe to yield a hospitality boom.”

Read more
This U.S. city is the top Labor Day destination, says Chase Travel
San Juan came out on top
A "parade" of umbrellas above the street in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Looking for a tropical escape without leaving U.S. borders? San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the top trending Labor Day destination of 2025, according to Chase Travel. The Caribbean city saw a 116% year-over-year growth in bookings, thanks to its easy access from major U.S. hubs and unique experiences that you can’t find elsewhere in the country.

From the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to the beautiful trails of El Yunque National Forest (the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System) San Juan offers experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Visitors can explore the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, browse colorful local markets, or dive into the island’s growing fine dining scene, where acclaimed chefs like Juan José Cuevas bring world-class flavors to the table.

Read more