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    The country at the top of every blogger's travel bucket list

    Konnichiwa, let's get booking

    By Marie Claire
    Published 29 August 2017 In Features

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    Konnichiwa, let's get booking

    For the majority, trying to decide upon one destination out of the endless on offer for a summer break can leave many sleepless nights. Scrolling through Pinterest and the best Black Friday holiday deals for inspiration sometimes does the trick, but there's nothing quite like talking to somebody about their personal experience somewhere to sway you over.

    For that reason, online travel agents HolidayGems.co.uk interviewed 33 travel influencers to find out where is the ultimate bucket list destination.

    With wanderlust engraved in the interviewees and the world at their fingertips, almost 20% of those questioned voted Japan as their number one bucket list destination.

    Uniqueness, cultural diversity and cuisine top the reasons for the influencers' choice.

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    Suzanne from The Travel Bunny explained: 'Japan [is] so culturally different from anywhere else on earth.'

    Katy owner of Untold Morsels had to agree, adding: 'I am fascinated by the culture, food traditions and beautiful landscapes.”

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    Macca, a Brit and a Broad said, 'I love immersing myself in countries very different to the UK, and they don't come more different than Japan!'

    Slightly missing the top spot was India with 12% choosing this destination.

    travel bucket list

    Eye Ubiquitous/REX/Shutterstock
    (Image credit: Eye Ubiquitous/REX/Shutterstock)

    Clare of Suitcases and Sandcastles related it was actually the Indian state Kerala that enticed her back, revealing: 'We’d love to eat curries off a banana leaf, visit the elephants wandering around the temples, watch the fishermen pulling in their catch along the beautiful beaches and take a boat tour down the backwaters.'

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    Cuba, New Zealand and The Antarctic all took third place, with almost 10% saying these are their dream destinations. For many, including Pommie Travels’ Victoria, Cuba had been a country that had long awaited being discovered.

    It’s thought New Zealand snatched bronze due to the varied activities on offer.

    'It just has everything! White sandy beaches at Cathedral Cove to stunning mountains and hikes at the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and great cities like Auckland,' commented Charlotte from Tickets and Travels.

    Annie from Tales of Annie Bean shared the same opinion. '[The destination has] very big outdoors and active lifestyles[.] Plus of course amazing scenery.'

    Rounding up the destinations was the Antarctic.

    Dan owner of Dan Flying Solo said that it was the Antarctic's 'raw nature' that appealed to him. As long as the continent is respected whilst travelling I can’t imagine a more incredible place to explore.'

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    The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.

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