Don’t Let Life Pass You By
Life moves fast, and if you don’t stop and take note of what you hope to achieve and experience, it might be too late. A bucket list is a reminder that there’s a lot you want to do before you, well, kick the bucket. It’s never too early to start, and the trick is to think big and make sure to include the most amazing experiences on your list. Here are 20 ideas to get you started.
1. Attend a Global Sporting Event
Few things are as thrilling as watching the Super Bowl or an Olympic event live. The energy of the crowd alone makes it a worthwhile experience. While these tickets are pricy and some travel might be involved, you won’t regret crossing this one off your bucket list.
2. Take a Cooking Class in Italy, France, or Thailand
Even if you don’t love to cook, there’s something extremely meaningful about taking a cooking class in a country renowned for its culinary contributions. Learn to make fresh pasta in Italy from a master, or an impeccable bouillabaisse with a classically trained Parisian chef, or a stunning Tom Yum Goong with a Thai kitchen legend. Remember, some bucket list items can be delicious and also allow you can enjoy them repeatedly.
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3. Visit the Pyramids in Giza
The Giza pyramid complex is a sight to behold. No true bucket list is complete without a visit to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and, of course, the Great Sphinx. While there, you can also experience tombs, mastabas, causeways, and temples.
4. See a Broadway Play
Too many people have walked the Great White Way to gawk at the marquees without ever seeing a play. Seeing a Broadway play is a must. It’s where the best playwrights, composers, and actors collaborate to create magical productions. Some of these iconic plays run for years, but if this is at the top of your bucket list, don’t wait, as you never know when a show’s run will end.
5. Go On a Silent Retreat
Unplug from work, your phone, the internet, and talking altogether. Take up to a week to enjoy the serenity of nature and learn a lot about yourself along the way. If the idea of a week of silence feels daunting, we promise it only takes a few hours to get into the swing of things. Very few will regret disconnecting from the world while reconnecting with themselves.
6. Swim in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Take a dip in one of the world’s most impressive and unique geothermal spas in Iceland. Relax in the glowingly blue water that is also rich with minerals. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, this renowned tourist attraction offers a rejuvenating wellness experience. Make sure you book in advance as it sells out fast.
7. Attend a Film Festival
Every bucket list should have some luxury and pageantry. If you're an avid movie lover, you should take a trip to a premiere film festival like Cannes, the Venice Film Festival, or Sundance, which focuses more on independent films. Not only will you get to watch world-class cinema, but you can also meet celebrities, attend Q&As, and enjoy some very memorable and expensive meals.
Octavian Micleusanu on Wikimedia
8. Sail the Greek Islands
If stunning views and relaxing days at sea are your type of thing, then set sail to the Greek Islands. You should be able to cross a few things off your bucket list, including watching the sunset in Santorini or exploring historical sites in Corfu. Visiting the Greek Islands is a great way to enjoy the freshest seafood or mouth-watering gyros and moussaka.
9. Tour Havana, Cuba
As the capital of Cuba, Havana offers Spanish colonial architecture, retro cars, and a vibrant mix of live music, flavorful food, and friendly people. Be sure to check out Old Havana and iconic sites like Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja. Also, stop by the National Capitol of Cuba to snap some great pics of you chomping on a cigar.
10. Travel Solo
Solo travelling is an empowering experience that lets you control your itinerary and do whatever you want to do. Whether you choose a week of Paris museums or an African safari, be bold and fearless and go alone. A solo trip is a great way to grow and experience the world.
Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash
11. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
Trust us, an extensive road trip needs to be on your bucket list, and there might not be a better one than driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Most people think that the Pacific Coast Highway runs exclusively through California, but it combines with Route 101 to extend across the entire West Coast. You can stargaze while camping at Olympic National Park, zoom along the Golden Gate Bridge, and enjoy the quaintness of Mendocino.
12. Experience World-Record Tides in The Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy, on the Atlantic coast of North America between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, lets you walk the ocean floor and then witness the rising of the world’s highest tides. Billions of tonnes of water empty and fill this bay every day and create a force that equates to the power of 25 million horses. Just make sure you find somewhere safe to watch the tides as they come in.
13. Cliff Dive in Dubrovnik
Here’s a popular bucket list item for thrill-seekers. Visit Buza Bar near the Old Town walls and dive into the Adriatic Sea. Other spectacular options include Danče Beach and the island of Lokrum. Pick your spot based on the height and level of challenge you’re seeking, and then simply close your eyes and leap.
14. Take a Train Ride Through the Swiss Alps
There’s nothing more scenic than chugging along in a train through the Swiss Alps. Catch the most amazing views of valleys, snow-capped mountains, and villages practically ripped from children’s books. Popular routes include the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express.
Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash
15. Ring in the New Year in Times Square
Push through the cliché and experience at least one New Year’s Eve watching the ball drop in Times Square. The vibe is unparalleled, and you’ll catch a few celebrities and performances from some of the top North American musicians. Make sure you go early so you can find a comfy spot close to the action.
16. Stay in Old Quebec City
North America’s most European city, Old Quebec is a UNESCO Heritage Site that offers 17th-century fortification, the iconic Château Frontenac hotel, and fondue that is more of an experience than just a meal. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the architecture and history that make Old Quebec one of Canada’s must-see cities.
17. Listen to live jazz on Frenchmen Street
New Orleans should be on every bucket list, even for those who have already been. For a truly unique experience, visit Frenchmen Street to take in some of the liveliest jazz played by some of the world’s most talented musicians. Your best options are The Spotted Car, Cafe Negril, and the Blue Nile.
18. Tour The Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C.
Spending a day or two touring the Smithsonian Museums, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, lets you experience the events and details of U.S. history in a way that’s engaging, emotional, and educational. Admission for most museums is free, but make sure you plan your trip extensively, as there is a lot to see.
19. Relax on a Pristine Beach
Sunbathing on a world-renowned beach is an experience that any bucket list would respect. Some of the world’s most popular beaches are found in Tofino, BC, Crete, Greece, Aruba, and there’s also Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Once you’re there, all you need is a chair, bathing suit, and sunscreen.
20. Take a Foliage Drive Through Vermont
Taking a drive through the brightly colored foliage of Vermont in the Fall will inspire awe in anyone. Peak foliage time runs from late September to early October, so it’s a short window. The most popular routes are through the Mad River Byway or the Moly Stark Byway. You can also find tons of cute bed and breakfasts to rest for the night and experience more of what Vermont has to offer.
