We all have a mental list of amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experiences we dream of having before we die. These bucket list goals often include major travel adventures, daring exploits, and attending epic events. Checking items off your bucket list gives you an amazing sense of accomplishment and creates unforgettable memories. Here are some top bucket list experiences to consider adding to your own list:
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Trekking the Inca Trail through the Andes Mountains to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru is an awe-inspiring bucket list feat. The four-day hike crosses high mountain passes, winds through cloud forests, and includes stunning views of the Urubamba River valley. Arriving at the dramatically situated “Lost City of the Incas” is an unforgettable moment. The hike requires stamina and altitude acclimation, but the payoff is huge.
Attend Oktoberfest in Munich
Beer lovers and party animals are drawn to Munich, Germany each fall for the world’s largest beer festival. Oktoberfest attracts over six million attendees each year for its huge beer tents, live music, traditional Bavarian food, packed crowds, and festive atmosphere. Donning a dirndl or lederhosen to hoist liters of beer is a quintessential bucket list party experience.
Swim with Whale Sharks in Mexico
Swimming with the largest fish species on the planet is a heart-pounding thrill. Between May and September, massive spotted whale sharks congregate off the Yucatan Peninsula to feed on plankton. Snorkelers can swim alongside these gentle filter-feeding giants in a surreal underwater encounter. Several tour operators in Mexico offer whale shark snorkeling trips to make this bucket list dream easy to achieve.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Reaching the summit of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, is an ambitious trekking challenge that rewards perseverance with phenomenal views. Witnessing a sunrise above the clouds from the volcanic crater rim of Uhuru Peak is unforgettable. While Kilimanjaro is very tall at 19,341 feet, it’s conquerable by most reasonably fit people due to a gradual ascent. Make this bucket list dream a reality on a guided six to nine day climbing trek.
Experience the Northern Lights
Witnessing the magical glow of the auroras is a truly captivating sight and a top bucket list aspiration for many travelers. The otherworldly lights of the aurora borealis are only visible at higher latitudes. Prime northern lights viewing locations include Finland, Norway, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska. Seeing the night sky come alive with colorful, dancing beams and swirls of light is a dazzling natural phenomenon to experience.
Go on an African Safari
An African safari is the ultimate bucket list trip for animal lovers and adventure seekers. Spotting iconic wildlife like lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and giraffes roaming in their natural habitat is an unparalleled experience. Top spots for extraordinary safari adventures include the Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Reserves in Kenya and Tanzania. Seeing majestic animals up close in the wild is a memory that will stay with you forever.
Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza
The monumental pyramids of Ancient Egypt are magnificent man-made wonders of the world. The enormous Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and only surviving wonder of the ancient world, is an awe-inspiring marvel to see up close. Exploring the ancient structures, looking for hidden secrets and imagining the astonishing achievement of their construction are part of the bucket list allure.
Take a Trip on the Orient Express
Re-create the golden age of luxury rail travel aboard the iconic Orient Express train. This bucket list splurge transports you across Europe in style reminiscent of the 1920s and 30s. Relax in vintage, opulent train cabins while savoring gourmet cuisine, fine wines and views of the Alps. Currently, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train offers this posh multi-day rail journey.
Attend the Monaco Grand Prix
Formula 1 racing fans are drawn to the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, the most glamorous event on the F1 calendar. The tight street circuit weaves through the tiny principality of Monaco, with the Mediterranean Sea and superyachts as a backdrop. Watching racing legends vie for victory along the challenging course is a high-octane bucket list thrill.
One of my favorite Travel books is called : 10000 Places To See Before You DieWhat incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences top your personal bucket list? Checking off those big bucket list items always leads to incredible memories, personal fulfillment, and great stories to tell for years to come.
