Creating a bucket list, which is the list of adventures you want to have before “kicking the bucket” or dying, is an excellent motivation for making the most of life. It’s so easy to get stuck in our daily routines and not prioritize having memorable experiences that excite us and inspire wonder. The bucket list is all about not reaching your death bed without enjoying the extraordinary experiences that make life worth living. Bucket-list worthy items are famous for capturing the imagination of people all around the world. So what does an adventure need to become considered bucket-worthy? The experience has to be unique, awe-inspiring, and extremely memorable. Get started with creating your own bucket list with learning about these ten remarkable adventures that everyone should experience before kicking the bucket.
1. Trekking to Machu Picchu
This ancient site in South America is fascinating to more than just archaeologists. Set high in the Andes mountains of Peru, this extraordinary space was constructed by the Inca and used as a citadel. Seeing the intricate architecture that was accomplished without modern technology is part of the fascination. Machu Picchu is surrounded by mist, lush greenery, and extraordinary views of a breathtaking valley. While travellers can reach Machu Picchu by train, most visitors undertake a memorable three-day trek up the mountain that becomes part of the experience.
2. Visiting the Taj Mahal
The romantic story of this extraordinary Indian landmark is a significant part of what has made it such an enduring draw for travellers around the world. The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by the powerful Indian ruler Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The graceful structure was the Shah’s way of honouring the death of his wife. It remains one of the most beautiful places on Earth and belongs on every bucket list.
3. Touring Paris
Paris has been one of the most iconic cities in the world for hundreds of years and continues to play a central role in the world of culture, entertainment, and business. Travellers to this romantic city can enjoy wandering around the cobblestone streets admiring the famous Parisian architecture and visiting an endless number of museums, cathedrals, and iconic landmarks. The Eiffel Tower is only one of the city’s instantly recognizable destinations. Paris also boasts the gorgeous Palace of Versailles, the many attractions of the tree-lined Champs Elysees avenue, and even the family-friendly Disneyland Paris.
4. Exploring an ice cave in Iceland
Iceland’s extraordinary landscape includes massive glaciers that have naturally-occurring caves forming inside them every winter. Taking an ice cave tour in Iceland is a unique, mesmerizing adventure that will produce stunning pictures. These spectacular caves allow travellers to literally explore a glacier and be surrounded by ice that ranges from crystal clear to a range of colours. The hushed sounds and surreal sights of an Icelandic ice cave make this adventure an utterly memorable experience.
5. Rafting The Grand Canyon
Whether you’re a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie, rafting down the Colorado River and deep into the majestic Grand Canyon is a breathtaking adventure. The experience generally lasts six days and involves weaving through a wild landscape surrounded by the orange cliffs and green cottonwood trees growing from cracks in the walls. At night, you camp under the stars and get to feel like one of the New World explorers from hundreds of years ago.
6. Diving the Great Barrier Reef
One of the most beautiful stretches of the ocean is located in Australia, off the east coast of Queensland. The reef is a stunning natural wonder with a teeming ecosystem that covers more than 70 million football fields. More than 2 million visitors flock to the Great Barrier Reef to dive into a magical world full of clownfish, turtles, groupers, and even sharks. Choose from a variety of different sites that each offer extraordinary photography opportunities and a chance to get close to sea life.
7. Visiting Las Vegas
This quintessential American experience belongs on every bucket list for the sheer variety of available activities in this iconic, nonstop city. Choose from exciting gambling opportunities on the famous Las Vegas Strip to family-friendly entertainment from dozens of musical acts. There’s also a vibrant nightlife scene and world-class shopping at designer favourites.
8. Walking the Great Wall of China
A majestic human achievement that covers 13 miles across Northern China and has stood for centuries, the Great Wall can even be seen from space. Reflecting on the human story of the labourers who built this structure by hand using a combination of stone and hard earth is part of what makes walking this landmark such a memorable experience. The expansive views of the mountains, countryside, and small Chinese villages make the experience full of colour and fascinating moments. Our experiences here.
9. Bathing in the Dead Sea
This historic sea is actually a lake that stretches out over 605 square kilometres, with Israel on one side and Jordan on the other. The Dead Sea is the lowest place on the planet, sitting 400 meters below sea level. What makes taking a dip in this famous body of water so extraordinary is that you neither sink nor swim, but will instead float because of the incredibly high composition of salt. It’s so salty that nothing can live here, not even weeds, and people travel from all over the world for the unique floating experience and the health properties of the mud.
10. Seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza
Travel through the desert by camel and step back in time to admire the astounding legacy of ancient Egyptian society by visiting these ancient monuments that sit in the valley of the Nile River. The pyramids have captured the world’s imagination as an engineering marvel and also a romanticized symbol of the ancient world of Egyptian Pharaohs.
There’s nothing morbid about being aware that someday you will kick the bucket and never have another chance for another fantastic experience. Make the most of life by creating your own bucket list and pursuing an exciting and memorable life. Use these ten adventures as inspiration and a reminder of all the wonders our planet has to offer.