Teenagers travel bucket list

15-year-old Luka Jackson shares her teenage travel bucket list to inspire your next family holiday.

As a teen, I’m always making bucket lists of things I want to do and want to see before I get old. Cruises and overwater villas are at the top of my list for holidays. A tropical beach and a snow holiday, which are complete opposites, are a delight.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a bucket list destination for most but has been my number one for years. Here’s my imagination of it: laying on the nets in my overwater villa, drinking a mocktail watching the sun go down with reef sharks swimming in the shallow transparent waters.

Transportation to Bora Bora can be difficult but it’s worth the long hours. A plane from Sydney to Papeete Airport in French Polynesia, then Air Tahiti to Bora Bora Airport. Cruises are an option too.

Noosa Heads, Queensland

Second on my list is Noosa Heads, located an hour north of the Sunshine Coast. This Queensland hot-spot is most famous for its 1.2 kilometre beach. Noosa is a popular destination for families. Whether laying in the sand or swimming in its blue waters, it’s paradise for me.

Ban Gioc Waterfalls, Vietnam

Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia on the Indochina Peninsula, neighbouring Cambodia. Ban Gioc waterfalls is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall that spills into a blue-green lagoon. Sitting on my towel, listening to the sounds from this waterfall after a massive storm would be magical.

Zakynthos, Greece

Greece has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Mostly because of the crystal-clear waters surrounding the 227 islands. I’d love to visit Zakynthos, just off the coast of Greece. It is known for its crazy nightlife, sea turtles and white sand beaches.

Sossusvlei Dunes & Deadvlei, Africa

Sossusvlei Dunes & Deadvlei in Africa is a desert that has dunes for days. The incredible part about it is that their dead trees are over 900 years old. They haven’t decomposed yet due to the dehydrated climate.

The Grand Canyon, USA

The Grand Canyon is in The USA and is well-known for its scenic beauty. There are many activities once you arrive. I’d include a helicopter ride tour of the grand canyon because, on the whole, it would be magical.

Maya Bay, Thailand

Love laying on the sand with crystal blue waters like me? Say no more! Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi is located 40 kilometres southeast of Phuket. Phi Phi is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. Maya Bay is part of Phi Phi Island. Phi Phi Island as a whole has many water activities, most being snorkelling and scuba diving and some lunch cruises.

Second Valley, SA

Nothing would be more beautiful than swimming in the caves of Second Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Whether you’re hiring a kayak and exploring the coastline or diving in the encounter marine park your only bet is to have an entertaining time.

Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park is located in Tasmania. It’s most popular place to visit in Tasmania simply because of its beautiful scenery. You can hike with a guide or just with friends and family. Kayaking, fishing, and bushwalking are popular here too.

Lord Howe Island, NSW

Lord Howe Island is located in NSW, Australia and is 600 kilometres off the coast at the same latitude as Port Macquarie. It’s a 2.5-hour direct plane ride from Sydney Domestic Airport. Activities I would include in my stay are exploring the lagoon by boat followed by some

Piccaninnie Ponds, SA

Grab your snorkelling gear and head straight to Piccaninnie Ponds in South Australia. Purchase a cave diving or snorkelling permit for access. The array of vibrant coloured fish and the sea plants would take my breath away.

The 12 Apostles

The 12 Apostles are a group of limestone stacks on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

Only 8 standing today due to erosion, and are more likely to drop as time passes. The best place to see them is from the lookout at Port Campbell National Park. Activities can include historical tours around the 12 apostles and helicopter rides with luxury add-ons.

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