10 Bucket-List Trips for Sisters

• Why we love it: adventure, scenery, wildlife viewing, hiking 
• Where to stay: Blue Duck Station Hostel (inquire for rates), Ice View Glamping (from $146/night)  Go Ahead Tours New Zealand tours & hotels (from $4,189/16-day itinerary)

Adventure seeking-sisters will especially appreciate a bucket-list trip to New Zealand. Sure, it’s a long-haul flight from the US, but its diverse landscapes—which range from pink lakes (read: an Instagram dream come true) to rugged mountains—make it well worth the trek. Must-dos include hiking in Tongariro National Park (New Zealand’s oldest national park, which just so happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site), boating in Queenstown and whale-watching in Auckland. Don’t forget to carve out some time to check out Lake Grassmere (the aforementioned pink-hued body of water) or oggling at the purple- and pink-colored lupin flowers that bloom near Lake Tekapo.  

• Why we love it: adventure, history, culture, scenery, landmarks, hiking
• Where to stay: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (from $448/night per night) Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel (from $1,520/night) per night, Go Ahead Tours Machu Picchu tours & hotels (from $3,139/11-day itinerary)

Machu Picchu is situated nearly 7,800 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains. This centuries-old site—known as the Lost City of the Incas—is an absolute must-see, especially for archeology buffs: With its 150-plus buildings and jaw-dropping agricultural terraces, visiting Machu Picchu is like taking a step back in time.

Depending on how much time you have—and how adventurous you both are—you can get to Macchu Picchu a number of ways. The most popular route, by foot, is the Incan Trail, which typically takes four days to hike. If you’re not traveling with a group, we recommend signing up for a guided hiking tour (Airbnb has some options). Alternatively, take the PeruRail or IncaRail from Cusco: just be sure to snag tickets in advance.

Once you’re able to catch your breath—both literally and figuratively—head to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. Here, you and your sis can snap ‘grams of the colorful buildings, snag a souvenir at the Mercado Artesanal, enjoy a soak in one of the thermal baths and grab a bite at one of the many eateries. 

• Why we love it: cuisine, culture, shopping
• Where to stay: Aman Tokyo (from $1,283/night, Studioư Tameikesannou (from $85/night), Grand Hyatt Tokyo (from $599/night)

Terrific Tokyo has a whopping 263 Michelin stars—the most of any other city in the world. You and your sister can explore the bustling Japanese capital one bite at a time. In fact, the city is teeming with unique eats. Don’t skip Kanda Matsuya, an 1884-era restaurant that’s best known for its super-slurpable soba noodles—made by hand, of course. For the most authentic taste of Tokyo, sign up for some locally led experiences, be it a sushi-making workshop, an izakaya food tour or a chef-led ramen-making class. You and your sister even have the opportunity to create your own Japanese sweets with some help from a shop owner who’s on hand to guide and share expert techniques.  

• Why we love it: relaxation, culture, landmarks, wildlife viewing, history, beaches, jungle 
• Where to stay: Jasminum (from $412/night), Marriott's Bali Nusa Dua Terrace (from $232/night), Seminyak Designer Loft (from $146/night), Padma Resort Ubud (from $189/night)

Grab your sis and get your zen on in beautiful Bali. This idyllic Indonesian island is world-renowned for its serene surroundings, which include pristine beaches, wildlife-filled jungles, and lush rice fields. After a restorative morning yoga session overlooking the ocean, the two of you can get up close and personal with Balinese long-tailed macaque at the Ubud Monkey Forest. Afterward, check out some of the destination’s acclaimed rice terraces, enjoy an acai bowl and stroll along the sand. Feeling extra-adventurous? Take advantage of ample hiking trails or check out one of the nearby temples, which include Ulun Danu Beratan and Tanah Lot.

• Why we love it: relaxation, scenery, wine, cuisine 
• Where to stay: If You Come Back to California (from $1,264/night), Downtown Napa Victorian (from $208/night), Archer Hotel (from $360/night)

For an epic wine-fueled weekend escape with your sister, look no further than Napa Valley. Just 50 miles from San Francisco (about one hour by car), this one-of-a-kind wine region—which is easily America’s most famous—boasts beautiful wineries, incredible accommodations, and, of course, postcard-worthy vineyard views. If and when you need a break from the vino (though I won’t blame you if you don’t!), consider exploring one or more of Napa Valley’s charming towns that are dotted with shops and restaurants such as Napa, St. Helena and Yountville. Finally, hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, which offers incredible, fancy-AF afternoon tea service (pinkies up, ppl!). 

• Why we love it: scenery, wildlife viewing, adventure
• Where to Stay: Go Ahead Tanzania Wildlife Safari Tours & hotels (from $5229/12-day itinerary), Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (from $1,032/night), Soroi Serengeti Lodge (from $861/night)  

Safaris are a once-in-a-lifetime trip that’s best experienced—and enjoyed—with your built-in BFF by your side. Not sure where to go? Consider Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, which covers 5,700 (!) square miles of wide-open terrain, is easily among the best places in the world to spot majestic wildlife. In fact, Serengeti is home to Africa’s beloved “Big Five,” which consist of the African lion, the African leopard, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, and the rhino. After a day spent exploring and spotting the animals on a game drive, retreat to your room at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti for a much-needed nap. Alternatively, treat yourselves to a restorative spa treatment or soak up the sun by the free-form, infinity-edge pool, where you can admire elephants enjoying a drink from the adjacent watering hole.

• Why we love it: scenery, beaches, relaxation 
• Where to Stay: Conrad Bora Bora Nui (from $1,248/night) InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa (from $1479/night), Overwater Bungalow (from $403/night)  

Bora Bora is famous for its sugar-sand beaches and clear-blue waters. With this in mind, it’s no woder this secluded French Polynesian island has become known as one of the world’s most romantic honeymoon destinations. But, don’t let that deter you from visiting with your sister: Instead, think of a trip here as the chance for the two of you to truly unwind and disconnect from outside stressors. Enjoy your morning coffee or smoothie while gazing out at the ocean, sip cocktails poolside, and embark on a snorkeling excursion thanks to its vibrant reefs: if you’re lucky, you may spot sea turtles, dolphins and tropical fish aplenty. 

• Why we love it: nightlife, beaches, scenery 
• Where to Stay: The Standard, Ibiza (from $148/night), Loft with Sea Views (from $96/night), Almond Flour (from $426/night)

Fun-loving travelers from all over flock to Ibiza, which is aptly dubbed the Party Island, for its vibrant nightclubs and beach clubs. (Tip: bring a comfy pair of dancing shoes to carry you through all the fun that lies ahead!). During the day, the two of you can hit up Nikki Beach, Tanit Beach or Beso Beach. Following a day of drinking and dancing (plus a side of sunbathing and swimming), get ready to do it all again at nighttime—but not before a much-needed siesta. Once you’re feeling refreshed, grab some dinner and make your way to one (or more!) of the destination’s hottest clubs, which include Pacha, Octan and Hï Ibiza. 

• Why we love it: culture, shopping, architecture, cuisine 
• Where to Stay: Senato Hotel Milano (from $264/night), Milano Center Design Suite (from $120/night), Terrazza Milano  (from $437/night)

If you and your sister are self-proclaimed shopaholics, head straight to Milan. This stunning city is considered one of the fashion capitals of the word. In fact, luxury brands like Bottega Veneta, Missoni, Miu Miu, Prada and Valentino all call Milan home. The two of you can easily spend one or more days popping into shops along Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga. The best way to explore the city and its incredible architecture—including the world-famous Duomo di Milano— is on foot, which is why it’s well worth signing up for a walking tour led by locals.