Bucket List Adventures: 40 insanely beautiful bucket list ideas & trip destinations every travel lover must visit at least once in their lifetime.
There’s nothing more exciting than embarking on a travel adventure. From tasting unique street food in a night market in Asia to summiting unwavering snowy peaks in Europe to visiting historical wonders of the world, the planet is filled with beauty and awe to explore.
Whether you enjoy sipping cocktails on a calm beach or prefer hiking up treacherous mountain peaks, at first sight, this article will open your eyes to some amazing activities and places to add to your bucket list.
Related: 18 Fairy Tale Towns & Villages You Won’t Believe Exist
If you are looking for travel inspiration, look no further…
Here are 40 ultimate bucket list adventures well worth adding to your travel list:
1. Go on a safari in Africa
Safari lodges can be found all across Africa and will no doubt impress you with the raw natural surroundings of the African veldt and the exciting sightings of wild game animals.
Top-end luxury safaris will set you up with a private lodge, pool, individualised food menus, and morning and evening game drives.
2. Road trip across Route 66 in America
Arguably one of the most well-known road networks in the world, Route 66, also known as the ‘Mother Road’ begins in Chicago, Illinois before passing through the central states of America, and ending in Los Angeles in California.
3. Spend a night in an overwater villa in the Maldives
There’s not much more you can ask for than waking up in a luxurious villa perched above the crystal clear Indian ocean in the Maldives.
4. Dive with whale sharks in the Philippines
Whale sharks enjoy warm tropical waters as much as humans do, and are one of the biggest known fish species on the planet.
They are an endangered animal and are a wonder to swim next to. Many different tours operate out of the Phillippines, which is home to many of these friendly giants.
5. Camp in the Moroccan desert
Sweet black tea, spicy food, cool desert air, and a milky way filled with stars. A night spent under the stars in Merzouga, Morocco will be one you won’t quickly forget.
6. Explore the Rose City of Petra
This 2000-year-old ancient city carved into pink sandstone mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 wonders of the world, and should not be missed when visiting Jordan.
7. Spend a night under the Aurora Borealis in Norway
Take a trip up north to view the unearthly sights of the Aurora Borealis in Norway. Best seen from far north within the Arctic Circle, this winter occurrence is likely on many bucket lists.
8. Hike across the Grand Canyon National Park
Active travelers dream to traverse the dramatic cliffs of the Grand Canyon and absorb the wonderful views that the national park has to offer.
9. Take a walk around Kew Gardens in London
When visiting London, take a break from the city life and venture west to Kew Gardens. These Royal Botanic Gardens boast acres of lush landscape, English plant species, and an impressive glass greenhouse housing some of the world’s best-known plants.
10. Eat a bowl of Pho in Vietnam
What might seem like a simple bowl of soup to some is a traditional Vietnamese dish which when prepared correctly, is filled with the flavours of the colorful South East Asian country.
11. Hunt for truffles in Italy and eat them on a fresh pasta
Along with caviar and champagne, truffles are known as one of the most luxurious foods in the world. Hunting for these fungi is best done with a professional and a sniffer dog who know where to look, which mushrooms to harvest, and which to avoid.
12. Take a walking tour around Rome, Italy
Rome is one of those wonderful cities which is condensed enough to explore during a walking tour.
An afternoon walking tour could take you past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Tomb of Raphael, the Spanish Steps, the Knights of Malta Palace, the Temple of Hadrian, and more.
13. Wander around the Marrakech Souks in Morocco
Filled with curious curios, brightly coloured fabrics, handcrafted lamps, and endless rows of spices, the Marrakech Souks will get your senses flowing!
14. Watch the great African wildebeest migration from a hot air balloon
Each year, about 2 million wildebeest and over 200 thousand other game animals embark on mass migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya.
The best view to watch this annual spectacle is from above, and a hot air balloon tour will get you front row seats!
15. Spend some time soaking up the Amazon rainforest
A jungle that is under great threat by human consumption, the Amazon rainforest is one of the most wonderful places to view nature in its most raw form.
With many places still untouched by humans, it’s important to support the efforts that the locals are making to protect their land.
16. Cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
A must-do in the exciting northern Californian city of San Francisco – renting a bike and riding over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge will show you beautiful views of the bustling city and its surroundings, as well as the historical island prison of Alcatraz.
17. Explore the ancient city of Anchor Watt in Cambodia
This enormous ancient Buddhist temple remains the largest religious temple in the world. Still visited by acting Monks today, Anchor Watt will fill you with mystical intrigue and historical interest.
18. Admire the Mona Lisa in the Louvre in Paris
When in Paris, visit the Louvre and admire astounding art from some of the world’s most famous artists.
19. Learn to surf in South Africa
Learning to surf should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s adventurous, it’s fun and it’s (mostly) safe! Learning to surf at Muizenberg beach is a must when you visit Cape Town, South Africa.
20. Float in the salty Dead Sea in Israel
The high salt content of the dead sea makes it a hotspot for skincare products and spas. Soak up the salty minerals of the water as you float on the surface of this inland sea.
21. Go hiking in the Patagonian mountains
One of the most dramatically spectacular yet least ventured parts of the world, Patagonia is a wonder to behold. Ice shard glaciers, tall snowy mountain peaks, barren landscapes, and freezing oceans make it one of the most beautiful places to hike on the planet.
22. Watch the dancing fountain in front of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world standing over 160 floors tall and is surrounded by a huge fountain at its base.
Each day at scheduled times, the fountain known as the ‘Dancing Fountain’ dances to the beat of music, spraying up to 22 thousand gallons of water into the sky as it goes.
23. Roller skate along Venice Beach in Los Angeles
Venice beach is one of the most fascinating stretches of coastline in America. It’s a great place to people-watch, and what better way to do this than to hire some blades and cruise up and down the famous boardwalk.
24. Explore Ha Long Bay on a traditional Vietnamese sailing boat
Ha Long Bay is best known for its clear water and tall limestone islands topped with tropical rainforest flora.
Spend a night on a Vietnamese sailing boat as you explore the bay and its wonderful views.
25. Stand with the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, China
These clay figures were only discovered in 1974. They are said to have been created to guard the temple of Qin Shi Huangdi (221 B.C.-210 B.C.). Still a wonder to modern archeologists and historians, the Terracotta Warriors make for an intriguing visit.
26. Relax at the Blue Lagoon spa in Iceland
Those who prefer relaxing holidays will enjoy the Blue Lagoon hot springs and spa in Reykjavik. One of the natural wonders of the world, the hot pools are bursting with nutritious minerals and algae which will leave your skin feeling softer than ever.
27. Take a gondola ride in Venice
Even if there were other ways to get around these intricate waterways, you wouldn’t want to miss out on a chance to be paddled around the Venetian canals.
28. Indulge in tapas in San Sebastian
Tapas is known across the world as a popular style of eating, yet, the true Spanish experience far exceeds one’s expectations. Picture rows of platters of cheese, fruit, seafood, and sandwiches getting replaced as fast as you can eat.
29. Eat a freshly baked croissant in Nice, France
There’s nothing better than buying a freshly baked all-butter croissant at a corner bakery in Nice and eating it while browsing small boutiques in the Mediterranean city.
30. Dive amongst schools of fish on the Great Barrier reef in Australia
Still one of the best spots to scuba dive in the world, the Great Barrier Reef won’t disappoint in terms of the number of tropical sea creatures, corals, and colours you will see!
31. Drink some mulled wine at a Christmas market in Switzerland
Wondering around a Swiss Christmas market sipping on a hot cup of mulled wine will warm both your soul and body. During the festive season, markets crowd train stations, parks and line the streets and are engulfed by a distinct smell of spiced wine and cinnamon.
32. Volunteer to plant trees in Cape Town, South Africa
Volunteering is not only one of the most rewarding activities to do in a foreign country but is also a great way to learn about the local region and meet its friendly people.
Whether volunteering with children, the elderly, or by planting trees, you’ll leave having gained more than expected, including a full heart.
33. Ski with family and friends in the Italian Dolomites
Snowsport holidays are one of the most common family vacation choices, and it’s no wonder why when looking at the beautiful views the Italian Dolomites have to offer!
34. Watch a basketball game in America
Sport is very important to the American culture, and attending an NBA (National Basketball Association) match will give you a wonderful insight into the country and its people.
Soak in the pre-game excitement and cheer with the cheerleaders as you witness something you might have only thought real in the movies.
35. Do a multi-day hike up to Machu Picchu in Peru
This 15th century Incan citadel nestled in the Andes mountains is one of the most fascinating historical sites to visit in South America. Exploring the ancient walls of this lost Incan city will leave you wondering more about the incredible Incan civilization.
36. Stay in a historic Irish castle
One of Ireland’s oldest castles, Ashford Castle has been turned into one of the worlds leading hotels. With the original walls built in the 12th century, staying here feels like living in a real-life fairytale.
37. Taste nasi goreng in Bali, Indonesia
Simply put, Nasi Goreng is Indonesia’s national food dish. Consisting of fried rice topped with a fried egg, prawn crisps, and some fresh vegetables, it’s a delicacy not to be missed when visiting the land of rice.
38. Go champagne tasting in Champagne, France
If you ever find yourself in the small vine-covered province of Champagne, you should spend some time walking the vineyards and tasting the luxurious champagne nectar specific to the region.
39. Watch the sunset from Lake Tahoe in Northern California
Whether visiting to swim in the crystal clear water in summer or to ski on the surrounding mountains in winter, Lake Tahoe puts on one of the best sunset shows in the state of California.
40. Eat sashimi in Japan
Sashimi is another food that has been adopted and eaten across the world, however, until you watch a Japanese sashimi chef don his blade and serve you raw fish, you have something to look forward to.
From brainstorming to researching to booking to departing, traveling is one of those unique activities everybody should get a chance to experience.