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Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World
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Initially, a list was drawn up to identify the most spectacular monuments, both architectural and artistic, created by man in the ancient Greek period.

The Greeks are the ones who decided to classify these 7 works, the number 7 meaning perfection and fullness, which are all found in the Mediterranean basin and in Mesopotamia.

The 7 Wonders of Antiquity

The 7 Wonders of Antiquity included:

  1. The statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece)
  2. The Colossus of Rhodes (Greece)
  3. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Turkey)
  4. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum (Turkey)
  5. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq)
  6. The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt)
  7. The Great Pyramid of Giza in Memphis (Egypt)
Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Restants du Temple dArtemis

To this day, only the pyramids that have survived remain. If you want to read my tips and tricks on this subject, check out my article on Egypt!

Here is a video of the reconstruction of the wonders of Antiquity :

Fans of Game of Thrones may have noticed that George R.R. Martin was inspired by the Colossus of Rhodes for the titan of his city of Braavos!

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Braavos

The 7 New Wonders of the World

Since only the pyramids remained, a campaign was conducted in the early 2000s to establish a new list of the 7 wonders.

A vote was held among a list of 200 structures to designate the new 7 wonders of the world.

In 2007, they were unveiled as follows:

  1. Chichén Itzá (Mexico)
  2. Machu Picchu (Peru)
  3. The statue of Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
  4. The Colosseum in Rome (Italy)
  5. Petra (Jordan)
  6. The Taj Mahal (India)
  7. The Great Wall of China (China)
Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
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on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Chichen Itza

On the Yucatán peninsula, you can discover the vast archaeological complex of Chichén Itzá. It is one of the most remarkable Mayan sites in Central America.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Chichen Itza

According to myths, the main pyramid of El Castillo served as an astronomical observatory and the Maya used it as a solar calendar.

At the spring and autumn equinoxes, one can see the shadow of a snake going up and down the stairs of the pyramid.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - El Castillo

The price of an entrance ticket to the site is 539 MXN for an adult (about $33 CAD). Children under 13 years of age can visit free of charge.

How to get there

The site is located 200 km and about 3 hours drive from the city of Cancun and the resorts of the Riviera Maya.

If you are staying at an all-inclusive hotel, the easiest way to visit Chichen Itza is to take a day trip offered by your hotel or to book on Viator.com.

Hotels sell « all-inclusive » packages including tickets, transportation, guide, meals, etc. These prices are approximately $100-130 CAD per adult. The hotels sell the tours in US dollars. After asking the price in Mexican pesos and converting it, it was more convenient to pay directly in US dollars.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Escalier

To get to the site independently, I suggest you rent a car if your accommodation is in Cancún/Riviera Maya.

There are also public buses (ADO and Oriente) that go directly to Cancún, but it takes about 4 hours per trip. It may be difficult to get there and back in a day, but it is definitely doable.

Another option is to take a collectivo, a shared taxi, from a nearby affordable city like Valladolid (30-40 minutes from the site).

Valladolid is a Pueblo Mágico (magical city) and a very welcoming place. There is also a cenote in the heart of the city that is great for relaxing and jumping in! The ADO and Oriente buses will take you from Valladolid to Cancún.

The cost of Marriott hotels is not very high in Cancún. It’s a great place to rack up elite nights while earning 5x points with the Marriott BonvoyMD American ExpressMD* Card!

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Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
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Ends Sep 22, 2026
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on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Here are a few reviews of some of these hotels:

As for airfare, there are direct flights from Montreal with Air Canada that should cost between 12,500 and 17,500 Aeroplan points per one-way trip.

However, if you’re targeting a busy period, you’ll need a lot more points.

Small tips

  • The site opens at 8am while the tourist buses arrive around 9-10am.
  • Bring an umbrella, there is not much shade on the site and the sun is quite intense, especially in the middle of the day.
  • The equinoxes have a great significance on this site, you will have the privilege to attend the phenomenon.
Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Serpent

Machu Picchu

Of all the seven wonders of the world, this one is probably my favourite because this place offers extraordinary views and panoramas.

These spectacular ruins would have been those of a city founded at the height of the Inca Empire, in the 1400s.

When we talk about Machu Picchu, a specific image comes to mind: ruins with a mountain in the background.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu

In fact, Machu Picchu refers to the mountain where the ruins of the city are located. The mountain behind is called Huayna Picchu and it is possible to climb to the top of it.

The views from the summit give us a sense of grandeur and freedom. I LOVED having that different perspective of the ruins. I highly recommend it.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Vue du Machu Picchu à partir de Huayna Picchu
Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Montagnes en arrière de Huayna Picchu

The most beautiful view of the whole of Machu Picchu is from the Sun Gate. However, only hikers can access the Sun Gate at sunrise.

To get a similar view without doing the Inca Trail, there is a platform that offers a similar view; when you enter the site, you have to turn left and climb up until you are stopped! It’s worth it to be very early in the morning!

The price of an entrance ticket to the site is 152 SOL for an adult (about 50 $CAD). Children under 18 years old will have to pay 70 SOL.

How to get there

The nearest airport and gateway is in Cusco. This city is located at a high altitude and it is advisable to spend 1 to 2 days there to acclimatize.

Once you are comfortable in Cusco, you will have no problem with Machu Picchu which is located at a lower altitude.

From Cusco, you will have to go to Aguas Calientes which is at the foot of Machu Picchu; by train or by taking the famous Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Cusco

Air Canada Rouge provides direct flights between Montreal and Lima. You will need between 30,000 and 60,000 points for a one-way economy flight.

Another option would be to partner with United through IAH or EWR as the number of points required will be less susceptible to market fluctuations despite the stopover. Then, you will have to take an internal flight or an overnight bus to Cusco.

Hotels are quite expensive in Aguas Calientes. My advice is simply to find a hotel that is within your budget and use reward points to reduce the cost.

A no-conversion-fee credit card like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card came in very handy in Peru, as I was able to pay for a wide range of expenses, from hotels to tickets to Machu Picchu!

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

By train

The train ride is on Perurail or Incarail in 3h30-4h. The trains are very comfortable.

The cost of the train ticket is dynamic and varies between US$50 and US$100 for a one-way trip. There are also more luxurious options that include gourmet meals, entertainment, guided tours, etc.

The easiest route is to San Pedro station. This one is located in the heart of Cusco. Since this is not always available, there is also the Poroy station which is 13 km (20-30 minutes) from Cusco and is well served by taxis and a local bus.

The Machu Picchu station in Aguas Calientes is 8km from the ruins; a bus will take you to the entrance of the site for US$24 round trip. It is also possible to walk up if you are very fit!

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Les ruines

The Inca Trail

This well known hike is for those who want the ultimate experience! On the fourth and final day of the trek, we rise in the early morning hours to reach the Sun Gate just in time to see the first rays of the sun break through the mountains and illuminate the site.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Vue du Sun Gate

You should plan 4 days and 3 nights for this adventure. On the other hand, walking these 40 km is quite demanding because there is a big difference in altitude on most of the way. That being said, there are a lot of people starting this hike and you’ll probably be walking in line, especially if you’re in high season.

It is also possible to walk only part of the route in one day (11 km, 5-6 hours). This one also ends at the Sun Gate, but it will be in the afternoon since we have to follow the train schedule and disembark at a specific point for the hike.

In order to make the trek, you must get one of the 500 permits per day from an authorized operator. It is not possible to do it independently and it is necessary to plan well in advance (6-7 months). I recommend G Adventures as they are extremely experienced in traveling to Peru and specifically the Inca Trail.

The dry season coincides with the high season for visiting Peru. While it is best not to hike in the rain, the heat can be overwhelming and the trail will be at capacity every day.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Les ruines

Small tips

  • Buy your Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu tickets in advance. Only 2,500 and 400 people (respectively) are allowed to visit each day.
    (www.machupicchu.gob.pe/)
  • The Inca Trail is closed in February for safety reasons (rainy season) and maintenance.
  • There is no minimum age to do the Inca Trail, but operators have their own policies.
  • The permits for the Inca Trail are associated with your passport number; a verification is made. If you change your passport in the meantime, you must inform your operator.
  • For stamp collectors, there is a station at the entrance.
Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Étampe Machu Picchu
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$900
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$900Total$900Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 45,000 points
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class="checkmarks"]This Credit Card is one of the Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada. For a limited time, you can earn up to 75,000 Aeroplan Points as a Welcome Bonus (an estimated $1,275 value) With this Card you can earn:
  • 2 points per dollar on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases
  • 1.5 points per dollar on dining and food delivery purchases
  • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Also, as a Cardmember, you get many benefits such as:
  • The first checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions
  • The ability to earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Statuts Qualifying Segment for every $10,000 in purchases charged to your Card.
Finally, you are covered with reliable insurance for your travels and purchases. Like most American Express Credit Cards, there is no minimum income required to apply for this Card.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

With this welcome offer for the American Express® Aeroplan®* Card, you can earn up to 45,000 Aeroplan points. Here’s how:

  • Earn 35,000 Aeroplan points after charging $7,500 to your Card within the first 6 months.
  • Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in the 13th month.

With this Card, you earn 2x the points on purchases with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations.

And 1.5x the points for dining and food delivery services in Canada. Anywhere else, you will earn 1X the points.

Enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada®* flights.

Like all American Express Canada Cards, there is no minimum income requirement.

 

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 2xAir Canada flights
  • 1.5xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,428
2nd Year Value$379

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

The statue of Christ the Redeemer

With his wide open arms, he symbolizes the very welcoming character of Brazilians. He also dominates and watches over his city from the top of Corcovado Mountain.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Christ Rédempteur

The statue is very impressive at 83 meters high, but what inspired me the most was the panoramic view of the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Rio et le Pain de Sucre

Personally, I spent less than an hour at the top… only to take my pictures of the statue and the landscape. This time was more than enough, unlike the other wonders that need to be visited in more depth.

The price of an entrance ticket to the site is R$71-88 for an adult depending on the season (about 17-22 CAD). Children between the ages of 5 and 11 will be charged R$54.

For more details on the must-see places in Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, here is Valerie’s beautiful article and Caroline’s one on Sao Paulo.

How to get there

Unlike Machu Picchu which requires a little more planning, public transport or a simple inexpensive Uber will get you to the top.

From Montreal, we fly direct to Sao Paulo, then there’s a partner flight between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro with GOL. If you want to fly direct to Rio de Janeiro on Star Alliance with your Aeroplan points, you can do so with United via Houston.

The JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro is located on Atlantica Avenue, directly on Copacabana Beach. This is a category 5 hotel, so you can use your free night certificate!

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Christ Rédempteur

Small tips

  • There is a much greater chance of fog in the summer (between November and March), so you may not be able to see the Christ statue.
  • Do not walk up the mountain for safety reasons.

The Coliseum

This vast Roman amphitheatre could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators who came to watch the gladiatorial fights and shows.

Built during the 1st century, this great building is still considered the symbol of the Roman Empire at its peak.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Le Colisée

There are three sections that can be visited

  • the arena: the main attraction and the stage for fights and shows
  • the basement: where the equipment and animals were kept and where the gladiators waited for their turn
  • the upper level: a panoramic view of the amphitheatre and a view of the adjacent Forum.
Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Tier supérieur

I particularly enjoyed visiting the underground tunnels and trying to understand the logistics behind the battles and shows.

In my opinion, this is the most interesting part of the visit.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Souterrains

The price of an entrance ticket to the site, as well as to the Roman Forum, is €16 for an adult (about $24 CAD) and €22 to access all three sections.

How to get there

This Wonder is located in the heart of Rome, just get to the Colosseo station on the B metro line. The entrance is a few minutes walk from the station.

Air Canada and Air Transat offer direct flights from Montreal. The value of a ticket paid in cash must always be calculated in relation to a ticket paid in Aeroplan points, but especially for flights to Europe.

Depending on the season and the specials, it may be much better to pay for your flight in cash and then apply reward points to the purchase.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Rome

Small tips

  • Buy your tickets in advance on the following official websites.
  • Choose your ticket carefully according to what you want to visit.
  • If you want to take an organized tour to get more explanations or not to have to queue, the best value for money is sold by the official Coopculture website.
Featured
Annual fee
$0 $139
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,139
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Apply Now

on TD's website

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 50,000 Aeroplan points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
  • Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening.
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening

This card also allows you to enjoy travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, as well as a rebate on the NEXUS program application fee (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on:

  • Grocery purchases
  • Gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
  • Purchases made directly with Air Canada® (including Air Canada Vacations®)

You also earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases made with your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xAir Canada flights
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,714
2nd Year Value$425

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Petra

The city of Petra is a city with hundreds of buildings carved into the rock, whose layers vary from pink to dark brown to red.

From the entrance to the site, you will have to walk about 1.5 km through a rather narrow gorge to reach the Treasury (the Khazneh) which seems to appear suddenly after the last bend.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Les gorges de Pétra
Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Le Trésor

What an experience worthy of Indiana Jones! Indeed, the Treasure was used as a backdrop for the final scene of the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Treasury is the best preserved monument in Petra as it is sheltered from the sandy winds.

There are many views and nooks and crannies to discover, I advise you to spend at least 3 days to visit it.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Pétra

How to get there

Jordan, being a small country, has only two airports: Amman and Aqaba. Petra is about 3 hours drive from both airports.

As Petra is the main destination for travelers in Jordan, there are several ways to get there easily, whether by public or private transport.

We took a private taxi because we wanted to make a stop at the Dead Sea. It was on the way and we wanted to stop there for a few hours.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Paysage désertique

I had taken advantage of the option to add a stopover to my Aeroplan trip to combine Jordan and Egypt on one ticket. You can add a stopover for only 5,000 points: YUL-CAI (stop)-AMM.

The Marriott Hotel in Petra (category 4) is another great place to use your Marriott points or a certificate.

Another popular itinerary is to combine a visit to Petra and the Dead Sea with a trip to Israel. Indeed, there are many 2 or 3 day trips that are organized from Jerusalem. However, this will be much more expensive.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Édifices de Pétra

Small tips

  • Don’t forget to take off your sunglasses, the magic of Petra lies in the colours of the rock that change according to the light that shines on them.
  • Canadians require a visa to enter Jordan. It can be obtained on arrival by air or at a land border crossing. The cost of the visa is $65 USD.

Taj Mahal

Emperor Jahan’s love for his wife really had no limits. He contracted twenty thousand men over two decades to build this monument.

The Taj Mahal is a veritable mausoleum that was erected in honor of his wife, who died giving birth to their 14th child.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal

It is the most famous building in India and one of the most photographed monuments in the world. Some of the rooftop hotels and restaurants have great views for panoramic photos.

The best times for photos are at sunrise and sunset and when it is illuminated by the full moon.

It is possible to book full moon tours of the Taj Mahal from 2 days before to 2 days after the full moon. I haven’t done it, but I hear it’s spectacular.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Gardens

The entrance fee to the site is 1100Rs(20$CAD) and it is free for children under 14 years old.

How to get there

The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, a city about 200 km from New Delhi. The train is very convenient for the New Delhi-Agra connection; the journey can be made in just 2 hours.

The cost of this trip is only Rs 465 ($9 CAD) in the air-conditioned car of the fast train! There are many different trains (local, fast, etc.) and classes (standing, seat, air-conditioned, deluxe with meals, etc.), but the prices are very affordable, no matter which ticket you buy.

Once you arrive at the Agra train station, a simple taxi or rickshaw can take you to the gates of the Taj Mahal.

It is also possible to go there by taxi; it takes 3h30-4h to get there from New Delhi.

For accommodation, I highly recommendITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra, a luxurious 5-star hotel that will cost you 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or less (category 3). It is a 20-minute walk from the Taj Mahal.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Mur de marble

See our previously published reports on India:

Small tips

  • The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.
  • It is forbidden to eat at the Taj Mahal.
  • Tripods are not allowed and will be confiscated at the entrance.
  • The Mehtab Bagh Park offers a beautiful view of the back of the Taj Mahal.
  • It is excessively hot (up to 45C) between April and June and I recommend avoiding the monsoon between July and September.
  • Canadians require a visa to enter India. It is now possible to get an electronic visa for $25 USD here.

The Great Wall of China

A symbol of Imperial China, most sections of the Great Wall were built during the Ming Dynasty. Initially built as a defence system, the wall also served as a border post to collect taxes on the Silk Road trade.

Several sections are open to tourists. I suggest you visit the Mutianyu section or the Badaling section.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - La Grande Muraille

The Mutianyu Wall is beautiful, but there are fewer means of transportation to get there and less traffic. I found the experience much more authentic.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Mutianyu

The Badaling section is much more popular as it is easily accessible by public transport from Beijing (by bus or train).

Badaling is also well preserved and larger, but the crowds can be very dense, especially since most organized tours choose this section.

The interesting thing about Badaling is that you can really see the grandeur of the Great Wall; at the top, there is enough space to accommodate up to 10 soldiers in width.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - a Badaling

How to get there

You will need private transportation or a taxi to get to Mutianyu. It is also possible to make part of the journey by public transport, but you will have to change buses or taxis.

Badaling is much more accessible from Beijing:

  • by bus (1h30) with bus #877 from Deshengmen or tourist bus #1 from Qianmen
  • by fast train (25-35 mins), from Beijing North Railway Station to New Badaling Railway Station.
Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - La Grande Muraille

If you have a long layover in Beijing (which happened to me often with Air China), the Airport Express goes to Dongzhimen station where you can take the #2 subway line to Jishuitan station to catch bus #877.

It takes at least 10 hours if you want to visit the Great Wall by yourself or 5 hours if you go with an organized tour.

Many tour agencies are waiting patiently for tourists to leave the secure area of Beijing airport.

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Mutianyu

Both sections have a cable car to go up. In Mutianyu, you can even go down the slide!

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Téléphérique et toboggan

In Beijing, all Marriott hotels are hotels in category 5 or lower. So you can treat yourself to high-end hotels like the St. Regis, JW Marriott or Ritz-Carlton at 35,000 points or with your free night certificate!

Small tips

  • Canadians need a visa to visit China
  • It is possible to have a transit visa on arrival to visit Beijing (between 24 hours and 7 days) under certain conditions.
  • Avoid Badaling during public holidays, especially during the Chinese New Year period.
Annual fee
$0 $139
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$679
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$540Annual fee rebated$139Total$679Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 45,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
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on CIBC's website

The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card is one of the best Visa credit cards with travel rewards.

With this offer, get over $1,600 in value, including a first-year annual fee rebate.

CIBC has an offer with which you can earn up to 45,000 Aventura points:

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  • 30,000 Aventura Points if you spend $3,000 or more in the first 4 monthly statement periods

In addition, you can benefit from a rebate on the first year’s annual fee for the primary card holder ($139 value) and up to three authorized users ($50 each).

With this CIBC Aventura Credit Card, you get:

  • 2 points for every $1 spent on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre
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The CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card also offers:

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The minimum annual income required for this card is $60,000 (personal) or $100,000 (household).

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xPharmacy
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$968
2nd Year Value$359

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Bottom Line

These are all very touristy places, but a good way to save money on this project is definitely to earn Aeroplan points and Marriott Bonvoy points.

I know that there are hundreds of other equally impressive structures, but this was my first bucket list.

Of course, this list will grow infinitely longer over time!

And you, are you a bucket list person? 😉

If you have more specific questions about these destinations, you can reach me through the Milesopedia community. To follow my adventures on my Instagram account wanderingaline, it’s here!

Bucket List: Visiting the 7 Wonders of the World - Ma première Bucket List

Our featured card

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points
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With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

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We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.