We all harbour bucket list aspirations, ranging from meeting a celebrity, swimming with sharks, dancing on Broadway, savouring exotic foods, riding a camel, and more. While many share desires like shopping in Paris, these fall short of the extraordinary adventures we’ve carefully curated for you.
While activities such as whale watching hold their charm, they often attract large crowds. Instead, explore our selection of bucket list travel suggestions, where we present some of the most distinctive and thrilling experiences available. These ideas promise to deliver the ultimate adventure experiences.
Iconic tourist spots are ubiquitous, but what you may not know is the hidden beauty of these places we are about to reveal, which will become your adventure travel goals. Make your holidays special; take the road less travelled, and we promise you will have one of the coolest bucket lists to show off, ever.
Ideas For Your Ultimate Bucket List Adventures
Hike one of the Great Walks, New Zealand
New Zealand is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and its network of Great Walks offers hikers and backpackers an unforgettable opportunity to explore some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. These nine trails, ranging from 32 to 96 kilometres in length, traverse diverse terrains, including mountains, glaciers, fiords, and forests.
Each Great Walk offers a unique experience, with varying levels of difficulty and scenery. Hikers can choose from challenging alpine routes to more leisurely coastal trails, all of which provide stunning views and a chance to immerse themselves in New Zealand’s natural wonders.
The Milford Track: A Journey Through Fiordland
The Milford Track is widely considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, and for good reason. This 53.5-kilometer trail winds through Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic fiords, mountains, and lush rainforests.
Typically taking four days to complete, hikers stay overnight in huts along the way. The trail commences at Glade House, where hikers board a boat across Lake Te Anau to Sandfly Point. From there, the trail ascends through Arthur’s Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Descending into the Clinton Valley, hikers encounter cascading waterfalls and ancient forests. The Clinton River, with its crystal-clear water, provides a refreshing respite along the route.
Approaching Mackinnon Pass, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Milford Sound, a fiord carved by glaciers over thousands of years. The descent into Milford Sound is a highlight of the track, winding through lush rainforests and alongside cascading waterfalls.
The Milford Track culminates at the head of Milford Sound, where hikers can enjoy a boat cruise or simply admire the majestic fiord. Challenging yet rewarding, the track offers hikers a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park.
Scale Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania stands as the ultimate trekking summit, possibly facing the loss of its snow in the coming decades due to global warming. There exists no other mountain with such an aesthetically breathtaking monolith rising tall amidst the African plains. The peak stands at 5,895 meters, and mountaineers conquer this trekking challenge nearly every year. What makes Mount Kilimanjaro most unique is its position on the equator, yet it has maintained its temperature throughout the years.
When trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, several routes are available for selection. Some mountaineers opt for the Machame Route due to its higher success rate, while others favour the Marangu Route for its seemingly steadier slopes. However, note that the success rate on this route is lower due to the climate. It’s advisable not to climb Mount Kilimanjaro alone. Extend your trip by a few more days to allow ample time for acclimatization. This approach grants you more hiking time and increases your chances of reaching the peak.
Swim With Whales at Baja California, Mexico
Go swim with whales in Baja California, Mexico, if this is something you wish to experience. Besides encountering whales, you can also have close interactions with massive mammals like dolphins. While whale and marine mammal watching are available in most places, in Baja California, you can have the opportunity to embrace one.
From December until April, grey whales gather in Baja California’s San Ignacio Lagoon during their mating season. It’s a time when they nurture their calves, offering the best chance to get up close and personal with these huge mammals.
Grey whales are an endangered species due to being easily hunted, attributed to their tame and friendly personalities, often swimming close to boats seeking human interaction. Plan a visit to Baja California in February for a higher chance of encountering these whales after they’ve completed their journey with their calves
Hike Na Pali Coast in Kauaʻi, Hawaii
Marking off your visit to Kauaʻi’s Na Pali Coast from your bucket list would indeed be a triumph, given its place among the most stunning coastlines worldwide. This Hawaiian stretch showcases rugged mountains meeting the sea, with the Kalalau Trail renowned as one of the most challenging and undeveloped hiking paths globally.
Traversing this dense rainforest demands essential gear and professional training beforehand. Additionally, remember that while hiking the Kalalau Trail, it’s just you, the trail, and the ocean. Designed for seasoned hikers, completing the 11-mile trail requires two full days. Overnight camping is recommended, requiring permits and reservations. Yet, the captivating allure of the Na Pali Coast remains undeniably breathtaking.
For those opting out of the more strenuous hike, a shorter jaunt to Hanakapiai Beach covering the initial two miles of the trail could be a more suitable alternative. Ensure reservations to explore Ha’ena State Park for a truly immersive and awe-inspiring adventure.
While on Kauaʻi Island, consider exploring Waimea Canyon, often likened to the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ due to its vast expanse, yet considered a safer hike. Additionally, indulge in family-friendly water activities such as snorkelling at Hanalei Bay, Anini Beach, and Kiahuna Beach.
Explore the magical Amazon, Ecuador
While rarely on most people’s bucket lists, a visit to an endangered tribe in the Amazon, situated in Ecuador, can offer a profound experience. Similar to the endangered Malaysian Orang Asli, this Amazonian tribe faces extinction, making it an opportunity to witness a unique culture if your travels bring you to South America. However, it’s crucial to respect their privacy and vulnerability; no tribe, particularly one on the brink of extinction, wishes to be disturbed by tourists. Hence, it’s essential to engage an expert or a well-trained tour guide for the journey, preferably someone who speaks their language, to ensure respectful interaction and avoid any unwanted intrusions.
Fortunately, Hawaiian and American tourism initiatives are playing a vital role in preserving their culture. Lodges and tour companies, operated by the tribes themselves, provide a lifeline for these endangered traditions while safeguarding their threatened environment against real estate developers. This approach, if sustained, promises tourists an authentic insight into the tribe for decades to come.
The Oriente people, Ecuador’s indigenous community, have excelled in eco-tourism, potentially preventing the extinction of their tribe. Similarly, the Cofán people, one of the oldest Amazonian tribes, have been successfully managing community-based eco-tourism in northern Ecuador since 1978.
When exploring these Amazonian regions, take advantage of canoeing along the rivers and engaging in piranha fishing. Embrace the opportunity to sleep in traditional thatched huts and venture into the wildlife-rich rainforest with certified Cofán guides. For a complete experience, consider overnight camping during your hikes, fulfilling your quest for ultimate bucket list adventures.
Experience a Desert Safari in Wadi Rum, Jordan
If you’re seeking an exhilarating adventure that will leave you in awe, consider heading to the desert safari in Wadi Rum. Situated in Jordan, this desert is exceptionally unique, promising the ultimate adventure experience.
Wadi Rum is renowned for its striking red sandstone mountains and vast, serene valleys, offering an immersive experience of the desert’s silence and tranquillity. Exploring the safari in Wadi Rum provides an ideal opportunity to delve into this distinctive landscape.
To fully embrace a desert safari in Wadi Rum, hiring a 4×4 for an off-road escapade is recommended for an ultimate bucket list adventure. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety by booking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Additionally, indulge in various enjoyable activities such as camel riding, hiking, and sandboarding. For those seeking a real thrill, consider spending a night under the stars with multiple camping options available, or choose to stay in a traditional Bedouin camp for an authentic experience.
Be in Awe of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Italy
For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is an absolute must on your bucket list. The chapel houses an array of remarkable art pieces in an atmosphere that often boasts a smaller crowd. However, the 40-meter long by 13-meter wide space, nestled within the Vatican Museum complex, can become overwhelming, particularly with a daily influx of 25,000 visitors.
Among the most awe-inspiring artworks are the iconic ceiling and the Last Judgement on the altar wall, which will undoubtedly leave an indelible impression. For an unparalleled adventure, consider booking private tours for a more immersive experience. Expert guides lead small groups through Vatican rooms typically off-limits to the general public, culminating in an after-hours viewing of Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Imagine experiencing these masterpieces without the disturbance of the usual crowds.
RaftIng At the Zambezi River, Zambia
This should be on your bucket list simply because the Zambezi River is one of the world’s most iconic waterways. It slices its way through south-eastern Africa and plunges over the stunning Victoria Falls. You can raft this charming river via a short trip from Livingstone or a multi-day, beach-camping expedition. Hire a tour guide, and you can also raft to the Oblivion and The Devil’s Toilet Bowl rapids. On a side note, look out for hippopotamus and crocodiles. They are usually found lazing in the channels and can be very intimidating.
Ride the Reunification Express, Vietnam
The iconic Reunification Express, revived shortly after the Vietnam War, embarks from Hanoi in the north, voyaging all the way to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Spanning over 1,700 kilometres, this railway journey offers a leisurely yet spectacular experience, completed in just two days. Along the way, the train makes several stops at vibrant cities like Hue, Danang, and Nha Trang, inviting travellers to explore these cultural gems.
As the train chugs along, savour the breathtaking vistas unfolding outside your carriage window. Enchanting scenes of pristine beaches, verdant banana-leaf jungles, and serene rural landscapes pass by, juxtaposed with the modernity of cities featuring sleek glass buildings. While the Reunification Express may not boast luxurious amenities, it stands as a popular mode of travel for experiencing the essence of Vietnam, particularly appealing to backpackers and train aficionados.
Road-Tripping along the Glacier National Park, USA
For a less intense yet awe-inspiring experience, consider driving through the Glacier National Park in the USA to witness the rare sight of receding glaciers, especially around mid-June. The ‘Going-to-the-Sun’ road carves an 80 km-long path through the mountains of northwest Montana, although it’s notorious for the challenges in clearing winter snows.
If you opt for a later visit, late September can also offer a good opportunity. However, note that certain parts of the park may be off-limits, providing only a limited window for exploration. Along the way, keep an eye out for the park’s retreating Jackson Glacier visible from the road. Experts predict that Glacier National Park may lose all its glaciers by 2030, making it a must-see addition to your bucket list ideas.
Witness the Northern Lights, Norway
While it may seem like a common item on many bucket lists, witnessing the Northern Lights is an undeniably breathtaking experience. Locations such as Norway, Alaska, the Canadian Territories, Iceland, Greenland, Sweden, Finland, Scotland, and Siberia offer prime opportunities to behold this natural wonder.
To capture this celestial spectacle, equip yourself with the best camera – whether a high-quality phone or a professional camera – for nighttime photography. The Earth’s most dazzling natural light show occurs at the right time, but you can increase your chances by joining an aurora photography tour. These tours, led by professional photographers, provide the option to either have them take the photos while you relish the natural beauty or receive guidance on capturing the Northern Lights yourself. Moreover, these experts possess knowledge of the most probable locations where the ethereal auroras are likely to dance across the night sky.
Exploring the untamed Arctic landscapes during the daytime is a must if you’re visiting Norway, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, or Canada. The best times to witness the Northern Lights are generally from October to November and February to March. Additionally, be mindful of avoiding the full moon, as its illumination might hinder the visibility of this remarkable phenomenon.
Explore Havana, Cuba in Style
Havana, the capital of Cuba, is a vibrant and captivating city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the western coast of the island, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture, lively nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.
Havana is home to a plethora of iconic landmarks that capture the city’s essence. The majestic El Capitolio, the former seat of the Cuban government, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural grandeur. The Catedral de San Cristóbal, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, offers a glimpse into Havana’s religious heritage.
Embarking on a vintage car tour through Havana, Cuba, stands as one of the great ultimate bucket list adventures. It’s a deeply cultural experience, yet seasoned travellers are cautioned about the potential extinction of these classic cars in the next few decades, making it all the more urgent to tick this off your bucket list.
Havana, and indeed the entirety of Cuba, exudes a unique charm and an indescribable cultural allure. Riding in a vintage 1950s Cuban car while navigating through the vibrant, colourful cities adorned with heritage buildings is an iconic Cuban experience. Whether obtaining an international driving license or opting for a guided tour, this activity should undoubtedly find its place on your bucket list.
As you compile your bucket list adventures, remember that the essence of these experiences lies not just in the destinations but in the moments that captivate your soul. Each adventure etches its own story into the fabric of your life, imprinting memories that linger for a lifetime.
Whether it’s the thrill of scaling a peak, the serenity of witnessing a natural wonder, or the cultural immersion in distant lands, let your bucket list be a testament to your thirst for exploration and discovery. Embrace the unexpected, seek the extraordinary, and revel in the magic of every adventure, for these moments define the tapestry of a life well-lived.
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