Top 10 Biggest Travel Regrets Revealed | International Traveller

This survey reveals the places you should be ticking off your bucket list, sooner rather than later.

Most of us have travel bucket lists. But the results of a survey by Explore Worldwide reveal exactly why you should be crossing off as many destinations as you can. According to the survey, 62 per cent of people over the age of 70 regretted missing out on visiting at least one dream destination. In case you need any bucket-list inspiration, these 10 destinations and experiences were the biggest travel regrets for those who missed out on the chance to tick them off.

1. Seeing the Northern Lights

The colourful ribbons of light that dance across the sky in the northernmost reaches of our earth have captivated humans for millennia. And they continue to do so today – so much so that missing out on seeing them was the biggest travel regret of the older generation. Thirty-nine per cent of those over 70 lamented that they hadn’t seen the sublime lights ricochet through the airspace. The Northern Lights are ephemeral, unpredictable and rely a fair bit on luck. This adds to the specialness of the experience for those who do manage to catch them.

If you haven’t yet crossed off this bucket list item, don’t fret. The next few years are set to be the best time to witness the Northern Lights. Visitors can head to Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Greenland, Canada or Alaska in hopes of spotting this breathtaking natural phenomenon light up the skies.

Green northern lights in Rovaniemi Finnish Lapland — Enigmatic green lights flickering over Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland.

2. Visiting the Maldives

The Maldives are known as paradise on earth. The islands call to mind luxurious beach bungalows hovering over turquoise waters filled with colourful marine life flitting about. With idyllic year-round sunshine, it’s little surprise that many of the survey responders regret never having left footprints on the islands’ alabaster-white sands. Although a stay on the islands is synonymous with luxury, it is possible to experience the romance and beauty of the Maldives on any budget, from camping on the beach to five-star resorts.

3. Witnessing the Pyramids of Giza

The oldest Wonder of the Ancient World, The Pyramids of Giza, are monumental relics of human history. How the pyramids were built remains one of the world’s biggest mysteries, contributing to their magnetism that draws in 14 million visitors a year. However, marvelling at these mystifying structures is an experience many older travellers expressed regret at missing out on. The Pyramids are accessible as a day trip from Cairo – a destination in its own right with plenty of cultural and culinary highlights.

4. Marveling at Machu Picchu

Known as ‘The Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu is the most famous example of Incan civilization. This otherworldly city perched in Peru’s Andes Mountains was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, drawing in thousands each year who hike up via the Inca Trail. This icon of the Incan Empire consistently inspires travellers, hundreds of years after it was originally built. Understandably, it’s high on the list of travel regrets for those who missed out on seeing it.

5. Getting up close to Niagara Falls

For nature lovers, there isn’t much that can compare to the mighty waterfalls that cleave Canada and the USA. There are hiking trails that thread their way through Niagara Falls National Park, interactive exhibits, and of course, the opportunity to feel the spray of the waterfalls up close on a boat cruise. The awe-inspiring scenery puts this spectacular sight on the list of experiences that travellers most lament missing out on.

Feel the mist on your face as you sail up to Niagra Falls.

6. Taking in the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised as ‘a jewel of Muslim art in India’. Constructed in the 1600s to house the tomb of the Mughal Emperor’s favourite wife, the Taj Mahal remains an icon of romance, art and architecture. Every inch of the structure is covered in intricate designs which are among the finest in the Mughal empire. Never witnessing this marble mausoleum is among one of the greatest travel regrets, and for good reason. The Taj Mahal was voted one of the new Wonders of the World and is an undeniable bucket-list item. Aside from the iconic structure, there are myriad travel experiences in India that are sure to make your visit truly unforgettable.

7. Walking the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most notorious structures, a great feat of human engineering that spans more than 7000 kilometres. Each brick holds a story of heritage, history and human civilization. The wall first came to be as a series of structures in the 7th century BC. It was maintained throughout the centuries to keep out invading nomads from the Eurasian Steppe. Now, hundreds of years later, more than 10 million people travel each year to witness and walk along the mighty wall. Another Wonder of the World and an icon of world civilization, a visit to The Great Wall of China is one you’re unlikely to forget.

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8. Rambling about the Ruins of Petra

Walking through Petra, a city carved into the rockface in the Jordanian desert, feels like stepping into a fantasy or sci-fi novel. One of the most iconic cities of antiquity, ‘The Rose City’ (as nicknamed for its radiant hue) is truly a marvel to behold. Archaeology buffs will be delighted wandering about the remarkably-preserved city, taking in the awe-inspiring treasury, tombs and monasteries. The city is a rare relic of history and ancient culture, and its majesty can only be truly appreciated in person.

9. Spotting wildlife on an African Safari

Africa is home to some of the earth’s most iconic animals. A safari is an opportunity to witness wildlife at its most majestic, from a pride of lions languishing in the shade to giraffes gnawing on acacia trees. The ‘Big 5’ animals have captured most people’s imagination since childhood, so the opportunity to see them in the wild is particularly special. Based on the fact that never spotting wildlife on a safari was one of the biggest travel regrets in the survey, this once-in-a-lifetime trip might be one to add to your list. There are different ways to experience a wildlife safari in Africa, we’ve compiled a guide on how to choose the perfect safari for you.

Elephant in Meru National Park — Spot the ‘Big 5’ on an African wildlife safari. (Image: Jennifer deacon)

10. Hitting the tarmac on a Californian road trip

A Californian road trip calls to mind the carefree ethos of a bygone era, marmalade-hued sunsets and a killer soundtrack that blares as you whizz down the highway. It’s no surprise that this is one of the experiences most lamented by those who never got the chance to trace the Pacific coast on the tarmac with the windows down. A road trip in the famous West Coast state is the stuff of dreams, taking you past beaches, wineries, sprawling metropolises and through gorgeous scenery. We’ve pulled together the perfect California road trip itinerary for a true taste of Americana, so you can be sure to cross this iconic journey off your bucket list.

California Road Trip — Whizzing down the coast of California is an iconic journey. (Image: Pierre Jeannere)

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Travellers over 70 reveal their top 10 biggest travel regrets