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After more than 45 years of traveling the globe, we have finally put together a list of our favorite travel destinations of a lifetime.  This is not an exhaustive list by any means, as we can think of additional wonderful places which could be considered for such a list. We have to draw the line somewhere, and so we selected twelve of our favorites.

After reading several similar lists available on the internet, from well known publications as well as from other bloggers, we felt that we should throw our hat in the ring and let you know what, in our opinion, are the top destinations every traveler should visit during his/her lifetime. We don't think that you have to climb Mount Everest, or travel to Bhutan, or take an expedition to Antarctica, or go bungee jumping in Australia, as exotic and fascinating as these experiences may be. But we do think that the following destinations should be at the top of your bucket list :

Photo: FourSeasons

Paris

If you are going to travel to only one destination in your life, the City of Lights is our choice for you. There is romance in the air just about everywhere you are likely to go in Paris, and the city will make you fall in love, with perhaps more than merely the beauty of its attractions, its streets, its cafes, its "joie de vivre". If you have not been to Paris yet, hurry up and put it on your list!  Info: Paris Tourism


photo: space.com

New York City 

The "city that never sleeps" will overwhelm you with its pace of life and the richness and vibrancy of its offerings. New York City has it all, and the experience of sharing the life of the New Yorkers for a few days should not be missed by anyone interested in the meaning of freedom.

Info: NYCGo.com. (Also have a look at one or more of the many BonVoyageurs postings: BonVoyageurs' New York City).

photo www.excel-london.co.uk

London

There are so many good reasons why London is the most visited city in the world, with more than 19 million visitors a year. The sun may have set on the British Empire, but London still provides tourists with the feel of a royal, if not imperial, city steeped in long rooted traditions and customs. Isn't London where they wrote the book on how to act like a gentleman or a lady?

Info: VisitLondon.com, BonVoyageurs' London

Hong Kong

All of the exoticism of the Orient can be found in Hong Kong, which will amaze you with its wonders and its successful blending of the best of Eastern and Western cultures.

Info: DiscoverHong Kong.com, BonVoyageurs' Hong Kong

photo uczsynod.org

Israel

Israel/the Holy Land should be on everyone's bucket list. Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is the birthplace of three of the great religions of the world, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. All travelers will find a visit to Israel a rich and rewarding foray into thousands of years and many layers of history.

Info: GoIsrael.com

Santorini/Greek Isles

After many years of cruising the oceans of the world, BonVoyageurs still regards a cruise to the Greek islands the best first and most essential cruise for first-time travelers. If you are going to take only one cruise in your lifetime, make it a cruise from Athens to Venice through Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, and the rest of these remarkable islands!

Info: VisitGreece.com

African Safari

Whether in Kenya/Tanzania or in southern Africa, a wildlife safari is nothing short of a life changing experience. Coming in close proximity to thousands of wild animals in their native environment will make you want to come back for more!  Read some of the BonVoyageurs' postings at African Safari.

Florence/Tuscany

There is something uniquely special about Florence and Tuscany. Italy's capital of the Renaissance is full of beautiful art and architecture and surrounded by one of the best food- and wine-growing regions in the world. The art of good living may well have been invented here!

Info: TurismoInToscana.it, BonVoyageurs Florence and Tuscany

Nice/Cote d'Azur

The sun and the blue waters of France's Cote d'Azur have attracted artists, royalty and tourists alike to these beautiful shores on the Mediterranean. Nice and the Riviera have been a favorite vacation destination of ours for many years because, in addition to its awesome coastal towns and cities, the Cote d'Azur offers countless gastronomic and cultural treasures.

Info: Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Tourisme, BonVoyageurs Nice and French Riviera

photo www.hotelroomsearch.net

Naples/Amalfi Coast

When it comes to our favorite landscapes in the world or our favorite scenic drives, the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, including the Isle of Capri, offer what we consider the most beautiful and romantic coastline in the world. It should not be missed.

Info: InCampania.com

Venice

"La Serenissima" has symbolized romance for generations of lovers the world over, but unfortunately its days are numbered, as the city is slowly sinking into the waters of the Adriatic Sea. So don't wait too long before booking your trip!

Info: TurismoVenezia.it

Montreal/Quebec City

Francophone culture and joie de vivre are nowhere better experienced than in French Canada and the cities of Montreal and Quebec City (pictured above). Both in winter and in summer, from the Jazz Festival to the Winter Carnival, Montreal and Quebec City offer experiences of a lifetime!

Info: QuebecOriginal,com

How many of the above dozen destinations of a lifetime have you been to? Before you make your next travel plans, ask yourself whether any of these fabulous destinations should not become your next vacation! And if you think that we should add another destination to our list, let us know!


Stay tuned to BonVoyageurs.com for more Countries of the World as we share our joie de vivre from around the world. Luxury escapes, cruises and city breaks to Quebec City, New York, Washington, Buenos Aires. In Europe, places like Paris France, Nice France, Provence and the Cote d'Azur (French Riviera), Tuscany and Florence in Italy, Rome, Napoli and the Amalfi Coast. In Asia, countries like China, India, Nepal and so much more!