Antarctica

If you long for absolute tranquility, the Continent of Extremes will be right for you. Because only animals live here permanently. For example, penguins, albatrosses, seals and whales. A total of 8,000 species are represented. Antarctica is the windiest place on earth, and also the one with the least precipitation. The ice reaches a thickness of four and a half kilometers.

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Tip: the easiest way to experience the impressive continent up close is within the framework of an expedition cruise. Considered a leading provider of luxury expeditions is Silversea Cruises. Experienced lecturers on board, a comprehensive arrival and departure package, gourmet meals and exciting Zodiac excursions included.

Underwater Waterfall, Mauritius

About 800 meters off the southwestern tip of the island lies a special natural phenomenon: the Underwater Waterfall. From above, it actually looks exactly as it sounds. Namely, a waterfall, which pours below the water surface into an invisible valley. In fact, however, it's an optical illusion, which is created by sand and the current.

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Tip: you can only see the phenomenon from above. For this there are two possibilities. You can spy a part of it from the summit of Le Morne. But you have to get up there first, which is only possible with a guide. But if you want to see the Underwater Waterfall in all its glory, you have to book a round trip, either by helicopter or sea plane.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

The bathing beach on the east coast of Whitsunday Island in Australia is considered one of the whitest beaches in the world. It's about eight kilometers long, and the best view is from Tongue Point in Tongue Bay. It's not possible to stay overnight; the island is a protected national park.

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Tip: you can reach the island either by ferry, by sailboat, by charter yacht, helicopter or Sea Plane.

The Wave, Arizona

The impressive sandstone formation between Utah and Arizona is the perfect place for the Dream Bucket List. Because due to erosion, the surface here has a wavy pattern. The Wave is only accessible after a semi-strenuous hike. There are strict access restrictions for a visit.

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Tip: per day a maximum of 20 visitors are allowed in the area. This requires a permit, which you must apply for on the official site. You should register for it about four months in advance. The permits are drawn via lottery. If you want to be spontaneous, you can also participate in a lottery in the Visitor Center Kanab.

Al'Ula, Saudi Arabia

In the past, the oasis was an important trading point, but today Al'Ula is probably the kingdom's most sensational new tourism project. Worth seeing, for example, is Hegra, Al'Ula's first UNESCO World Heritage site. Here one admires imposing stone tombs of the Nabataeans. Safaris, breathtaking new buildings, the impressive desert landscape and unique hotels are among the other reasons why the region absolutely belongs on the Dream Bucket List.

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Tip: several luxurious hotels, such as the Habitas or the Banyan Tree Al'Ula offer deluxe desert camping. Recently, Al'Ula has opened its own airport and even its own app, which can be used to explore the region even better.

Zhangjiajie National Park, China

James Cameron has captured the region with his epic Avatar on the big screen and set her a cinematic monument. No wonder, after all, more than 3,000 columns of sandstone tower up to 200 meters into the sky and form the surreal-looking backdrop of Wulingyuan and Zhangjiajie. The area in Hunan Province has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.

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Tip: the national park entrance is only available as a 4-day ticket and is linked to your fingerprint. It's a well visited region, so it's a good idea to come off-season and early in the morning.

Sarakiniko Beach, Greece

The small Cycladic island of Milos is - compared to its sisters Mykonos and Santorini - still considered a type of insider tip. Here, you can experience the quieter version of island life. One of the natural beauties of Milos also makes it onto any Dream Bucket List: Sarakiniko Beach. It's brilliant white and offers many opportunities to jump directly into the turquoise water.

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Tip: Milos is easily accessible via plane or ferry from Athens. A rental car is worthwhile to explore the island. The famous Venus of Milo was found here. It can be admired in the Louvre in Paris. The local museum displays a replica.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

If you are not standing directly in front of it, you can only guess at the extent of the highest free-falling waterfall in the world. The numbers are gigantic. From the waterfall, also called Salto Churún-Merú, the water masses plunge 979 meters into the depths. In the language of the indigenous Pemón people, it's also called Kerepakupai Vena. This could be translated as place of the deepest jump.

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Tip: you can reach the waterfall only by a one-day boat trip from Canaima - and there you have to fly first. If you take the adventure on yourself, you'll have the best chances of an unclouded view during the dry season, even if the waterfall is then somewhat less impressive.

Faroe Islands, Denmark

As an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the 18 islands of the Faroe Islands lie in the North Atlantic between Scotland, Iceland and Norway. People have lived here since the Middle Ages - a total of 54,000. Until now, people lived from sheep breeding and fishing. But now, looking to the future, they are focusing on sustainable tourism.

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Tip: on Kalsoy there is a tombstone commemorating the last whereabouts of James Bond in No Time to Die. The memorial is located at the Kallur Lighthouse.

The Maldives

No insider tip, but one that simply belongs on every Dream Bucket List, are the Maldives. The group of islands in the Indian Ocean is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The reasons for this are manifold. Crystal-clear water, first-class resorts, powder-sugar white sandy beaches and palm trees swaying gently in the wind are just a few of them.

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Tip: during the European winter is high season in the Maldives. In fact, they are but a year-round visitable destination - like almost all tropical destinations. If you don't go snorkeling here, will be missing out!