10 BUCKET LIST TRIPS TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE.

The world is an amazing place, bursting with extraordinary experiences—those rare, unforgettable moments that stir your soul and shift your perspective. These bucket list adventures aren’t just holidays; they’re milestones that define a life well-lived. If you’re dreaming big, here are ten transformative journeys you should experience at least once.

1. Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru. High in the Andes Mountains lies the lost city of the Incas—Machu Picchu, a mystical and astonishing archaeological wonder. The classic Inca Trail hike leads you through misty cloud forests, ancient ruins, and rugged mountain passes. Reaching the Sun Gate at sunrise, with the citadel spread out below, is a surreal and deeply rewarding moment. Of course, you don’t have to do the hike – it’s easier (and less tiring) to travel to this iconic Incan citadel by train (as I did)!

2. Witness the Northern Lights in Iceland or Norway. There’s nothing quite like watching the night sky erupt in waves of green, pink, and purple. The aurora borealis feels like a private cosmic performance. Iceland’s volcanic landscapes or Norway’s snow-covered fjords offer some of the most magical viewing points on Earth. Just make sure you plan to stay a good few days in whichever country you choose and spend time in the countryside – this is how you can maximise your chances of seeing this amazing, magical phenomenon.

3. Go on Safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania. The Serengeti delivers nature in its rawest and most thrilling form. Lions lounge under acacia trees, elephants roam the plains, and wildebeest thunder across the savannah during the Great Migration. Few places let you witness the circle of life as powerfully and intimately as this. Combine your time in the Serengeti with a stay near the Ngorongoro Crater and it’s well worth visiting Tarangire National Park – famous for its herds of elephants.

4. Cruise to Antarctica. Setting foot on Antarctica is like arriving on another planet. Towering glaciers, vast icebergs, penguin colonies, and breaching whales define this untouched wilderness. A cruise here is both an adventure and a humbling reminder of Earth’s raw beauty and fragility. Make sure you choose a proper expedition cruise with a smaller ship, a sizeable fleet of zodiacs for landings and a knowledgeable team of naturalists.

5. Dive the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is a living masterpiece beneath the sea—home to vibrant coral, sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish. Whether you snorkel or dive, immersing yourself in this underwater world is an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience. And don’t forget to include time in the rainforest when you’re in this part of Australia – there’s much more to Queensland than the coast.

6. Ride a Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey. Cappadocia’s lunar-like landscape, filled with fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings, is breathtaking from above. At sunrise, dozens of colourful balloons float in unison, turning the sky into a moving work of art. It’s one of the most serene and spectacular ways to take in a destination. You can combine time here with a few days in the lovely city of Istanbul for a holiday full of contrasts.

7. Experience the Cherry Blossoms in Japan. Each spring, Japan is transformed by the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. Cities and countryside alike are adorned in delicate pinks and whites. It’s a cultural moment, too—filled with festivals, picnics under the petals, and a deep appreciation for the season’s transience. For many people, this is dream time of year to visit Japan. But the autumn foliage IMHO is equally (if not more) impressive. I've visited in both seasons - and the reds and oranges of the maple trees shaded it for me!

8. Explore Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan. Step into another world in Jordan, where you can walk through the rose-red rock city of Petra, carved into canyon walls over 2,000 years ago. Nearby, the otherworldly desert of Wadi Rum offers a surreal landscape of sand dunes and towering rock formations—perfect for stargazing or sleeping under the stars like a Bedouin. Film buffs will enjoy standing in the landscapes they're familiar with from Indiana Jones and Lawrence of Arabia.

9. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Known as “The Smoke That Thunders,” Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most dramatic waterfalls in the world. A helicopter ride gives you a heart-racing view of the mighty Zambezi River crashing into the gorge below. The power and scale of the falls are overwhelming from above – and it’s amazing to see the wildlife roaming around below.

10. Explore the Salt Flats of Bolivia (Salar de Uyuni). Vast, white, and utterly surreal, Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. After the rains, it becomes a giant mirror reflecting the sky, blurring the line between heaven and earth. At sunset or under a full moon, the landscape feels like stepping into another dimension. I spent a night here, in a hotel made entirely out of salt - which really added to the whole experience.

Each of these adventures offers more than just beautiful scenery or thrilling activities—they open your eyes to the vastness and wonder of our world. Whether you're drawn to icy landscapes, ancient wonders, or epic wildlife encounters, your Bucket List deserves at least a few of these legendary experiences.

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