The World's Most-Visited Countries To Add To Your Bucket List

Every traveler has their own travel bucket list full of destinations across the globe, and as a whole, tourism is a two trillion-dollar industry. So where are all the wanderlusters off to? Well, there are definitely some key staples that should be on everyone's roster. From Thailand to Australia and everywhere in between, there are more than a few places that entice travelers.

What's more, countless destinations await whether you are an avid beachgoer, a history buff, an art and culture enthusiast, an adventurer at heart, or simply someone bitten by the travel bug. So if you are ready to embark on a trip of a lifetime but do not know where to begin, that's okay. To remove some of the guesswork, here are the world's most visited countries to add to your bucket list — if they are not on there already — that are sure to satisfy even the loftiest of travel goals.

Spain is easily the second most visited country in the world, with roughly 83 million tourists heading to this idyllic country each year to experience all this cultural haven offers. From gorgeous landscapes to seaside paradises and bustling metropolises, Spain is definitely bucket-list worthy for a whole host of reasons. With its rich history, vibrant customs, all kinds of architecture, divine dishes, agreeable weather, picturesque beaches, great fashion, exquisite art, incredible nightlife, and more, Spain is truly an adventure for world travelers.

In addition to all this, popular cities in Spain, like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, are overflowing with sights, sounds, and then some — thus, visitors will have no trouble fully immersing themselves in this enchanting destination. From wine and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to fantastic fiestas, watersports, hiking, and even skiing, this country does not disappoint in the way of activities either. And an added bonus here is that Spain is also home to some pretty phenomenal islands — Ibiza, Minorca, Tenerife, the Canary Islands, Graciosa, and the Balearic Islands — each offering something different. So, if you have the time, do yourself a favor and check out as much of Spain as possible.

Coming in at number four on the list of most visited countries, with just over 65 million tourists, is China. Of course, with several thousand years' worth of history to peruse, it is not hard to see why so many people flock to this destination. But that's not all this spot on the map has to offer — this charming country has unbelievably beautiful landscapes, pristine wilderness, water towns, architectural wonders like The Great Wall, diverse cuisine, modern marvels, a well-balanced blend of cultures, and more. As a result, China is the perfect go-to for anyone who wants to explore a variety of cultural customs, enjoy unique cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, visit amazing temples, or marvel at all the incredible surrounding feats.

Plus, no matter where your adventures here take you, there is no denying that China is scenic, budget-friendly, and inviting, with ample things to see and do. A truly exotic place with life-changing excursions you will not find anywhere else is just one of the many reasons to visit this great country. In fact, globetrotters who add this distinct destination to their bucket list often gain a new and more worldly perspective and are thankful for an undoubtedly matchless traveling experience.

With 45 million visitors annually, Mexico should definitely be on your to-do list. Here, travelers can enjoy white sandy beaches like Tulum Beach, a diverse landscape, a colorful culture, and traditional cuisine. Besides all this, Mexico has countless vibrant cities to immerse oneself in and touristy spots like Cancun, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta, offering visitors ample opportunities for some real fun in the sun.

Similar to other bucket-list-worthy destinations, Mexico is also littered with UNESCO sites and must-visit attractions. In particular, history lovers can learn more about great civilizations like the Maya peoples of the Yucatán Peninsula, who built the ancient city of Chichen Itzá, and peruse a variety of cultural and art museums. Alternatively, marine life enthusiasts can marvel at the many whale sharks, turtles, fishes, and then some while scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or via a guided boat excursion. With Cenotes, coves, and ruins to explore, foodie and tequila tours, plus Mexican festivals like Dia De Los Muertos, Mexico is a good time just waiting to happen.

Travelers off to Europe should make it a point to be a part of the roughly 39 million tourists visiting Germany annually. Here, history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and art lovers, especially, are in for a real treat with countless museums, including Berlin's Museum Island, modern and historic theatres, plus just about every kind of tour one can imagine. That said, Germany has a whole host of things to see and do outside the realm of history, culture, and the arts.

In fact, most visitors tend to explore this lovely country via scenic road trips, outdoor adventuring, guided excursions, or by hopping aboard an efficient train. Plus, world-famous events like Oktoberfest, more than a few fairytale-like castles, the Bavarian Alps, the Autobahn, charming villages, legendary Christmas Markets, the Black Forest, and absolutely stunning architecture in just about every sovereign state — all make Germany another travel bucket list must. So if you have never considered a getaway to this one-of-a-kind country, now is the perfect time to jet off to Germany.

Greece should also be high on your travel bucket list. With just over 31 million visitors exploring all that Greece has to offer yearly, it is undeniable that there is something special about this particular part of the world. And regardless of whether you are headed to Athens, Crete, or some other phenomenal spot in the Greek Isles/Islands, you will quickly see that Greece is simply breathtaking.

In fact, both mainland Greece and the islands have incredible attractions, gorgeous beaches, Mediterranean views, rich cultures, ancient historical sites, plus mouthwatering cuisine and fanfare. Of course, if you are looking for insane nightlife, a trip to Mykonos is in order. Alternatively, if you want to experience a spectacular sunset with iconic white buildings and blue rooftops as your backdrop, then Santorini should be your port of call. Greece, as a whole, actually has many amazing destinations with ample things to see and do, so you will likely need to add this popular paradise to your list more than once.

With around 14 million international tourists visiting the Czech Republic each year, it is safe to say that this country is also bucket-list-worthy. Of course, many travelers flock to the capital city of Prague, in the Czech Republic, as it is truly one of the most famous cities in all of Europe. Going to Prague is a world traveler must if not almost a rite of passage — thus, this is reason enough to make your way to this incredible part of the world.

Even outside of Prague, the Czech Republic is full of culture, heritage, history, castles, entertainment, spas, and beer — which definitely makes for a well-balanced vacation. So you can tour the many UNESCO sites, explore the beautiful countryside, relax in spa towns like Karlovy Vary, indulge in this country's amazing party scene, and then some here. And when you factor in the hospitable locals, affordability, and countless music festivals, the Czech Republic may easily become a place you never want to leave.

Last but definitely not least, Australia, for many travelers, is a dream getaway, and it is not hard to see why. With approximately 9.5 million international tourists each year, Australia is undoubtedly a popular respite. Thanks to the Great Barrier Reef, a plethora of phenomenal beaches, laid-back vibes, ample sunshine, diverse culture, and bustling cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, this country is an experience you will never forget.

Thus, despite the lengthy travel time to reach this great nation, Australia should be a bucket list staple for any globetrotter. Here, visitors can bask in this gorgeous country's pristine wilderness, enjoy countless unique open spaces, check out the Great Ocean Road, island hop in the Whitsundays, and marvel at Australia's distinctive wild and marine life. And while touring major cities, particularly Sydney, there's a wealth of famous sites and sounds that can only add to your overall adventure. That said, no matter what you decide to get into while in Australia, once there, you will see why it is just one more dazzling destination that should be a part of your travel goals.