Article Tools
Photo Gallery
A World of Possibilities
Your Additions to the Smithsonian Life List
Off the Beaten Path
Experience the rich diversity of America's national parks
Most Popular
A growing number of Americans of all ages are renewing their resolve to live life to its fullest.
Exhibit A is the recent popularity of "life lists"—itineraries of things to do and places to go before taking the ultimate trip to the Great Beyond. In our January 2008 issue, the staff of Smithsonian—as diverse a group of travelers as you're likely to meet—put their heads together and came up an exclusive list of 28 places the Smithsonian reader might wish to visit before...it's too late.
The response was tremendous—and since many Smithsonian readers themselves have traveled the globe, we received quite a bit of mail recommending additional, must-see places.
So, Smithsonian readers, now it's your turn. In this special, web-exclusive series, we present your additions to the Smithsonian Life List.
Sacred Places
Temples, churches and palaces that inspire
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey
The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet
Notre Dame in Paris, France
Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia
Building Big
Experience feats of engineering on a grand scale
Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona
Pantheon in Rome, Italy
Alhambra in Granada, Spain
Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
Stonehenge in England
Terracotta Army at Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in China
Natural Wonders
Discover breathtaking vistas and scale new heights
Papua New Guinea
Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yosemite National Park, California
Glacier National Park, Montana
Mount Everest in the Himalayas of Nepal
Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey
Niagara Falls, New York
Must-See Cities
Metropolises that offer superb art, history and entertainment
Havana, Cuba
Las Vegas, Nevada
New York City, New York
San Francisco, California
Vatican City in Rome, Italy
St.Lucia, known as the gem of the Caribbean is a must see. This place boasts of the only drive-in volcano in the world. In addition, there is the twin majestic pitons and wildlife. Ask Oprah and Nicholas Cage!
Posted by concessa on May 7,2008 | 08:10PM
I need a vacation. Thank You
Posted by Michael Wright on May 27,2008 | 09:50PM
Alaska is an awe inspiring beautiful place. Denali and Mount Mckinley are breathtaking. Wildlife and unusual plants are in abundance.
Posted by Molly Ray on May 28,2008 | 04:33AM
Tallinn,Estonia! Anyone who wants to get away from the over traveled sights such as the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben shoulod go to the very midevial yet very modern Baltic capital.
Posted by sara sayre on May 28,2008 | 11:54PM
I love to travel
Posted by Marjorie Maxine Bridges on June 4,2008 | 07:13AM
Awesome travel opportunity!
Posted by LucyN on June 12,2008 | 11:01AM
Don't travel much, but would love to go to Australia, or Alaska!!!!!
Posted by Victoria Pasciuta on June 17,2008 | 02:21PM
Sounds like fabulus and interesting trip!
Posted by Emily Bradley on June 17,2008 | 06:56PM
My travel list includes Australia to see the kangaroos, Antarctica to see the penguins, Venezuela to see Angel Falls and any place in between to experience different cultures and appreciate natural beauty.
Posted by Mary Hutcheson on June 18,2008 | 11:17AM
My travel desires include the Galapagos, Machu Pichu in Peru, Patagonia, Australia and New Zealand! Incredible nature and variety can be found in each!
Posted by LucyN on June 20,2008 | 10:34AM
As I said in my last post, there are so many wonderful places to visit!
Posted by lucyneyens on June 21,2008 | 07:21AM