#30 Make the trip to Easter Island

Rapa Nui – as this small island and UNESCO World Heritage Site is also known – is located off the coast of Chile in the Pacific Ocean. It’s an archeologist’s and history buff’s dream, what with its famous moai stone figures (which measure up to 20 metres), ahu ceremonial shrines and pictographic writing. To think the society that created these important cultural pieces lived in isolation from the time they settled here in 300 A.D.; the Europeans only came across Rapa Nui in the 18th century. Despite the island’s remoteness, tourism is thriving. After marvelling at the 800-plus magical moai, you can do other activities such as scuba diving, surfing, hiking and horseback riding. Fly to Rapa Nui via Chile or Tahiti; there are multiple flights every week.