Looking for bucket list ideas to help you live your best life? From setting off on an African safari to experiencing natural wonders like the Northern Lights or the Great Barrier Reef, to stepping back in time at Mayan ruins, there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore. Here are six bucket list experiences everyone should have on their list!
Get Up Close to the Great Barrier Reef
Located on the coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is famous for being the world’s largest coral reef system and the largest living structure on Earth (it’s even visible from space!) Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is a magical underwater world with unparalleled natural diversity. Its rich ecosystem is filled with everything from the smallest zooplankton to tropical fish to marine mammals like dugongs and dolphins. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you need to explore this amazing piece of paradise.
Explore Chichén Itzá
Located in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is the best place to visit if you’re interested in ancient Mayan ruins and architectural wonders that capture the culture and history of the people from the past. Once a thriving city, all that remains now are temples and ballcourts. The most famous is the Temple of Kukulkan which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This impressive structure exhibits the knowledge the Mayans had about astronomy, mathematics, acoustics, and geometry. For a cultural experience and a chance to discern a significant part of Mayan heritage, this is the perfect place for you to explore.
Set Out on an African Safari
Experiencing a safari in Africa has to be on your bucket list. Guaranteed to be a trip of a lifetime, a safari is thrilling, awe-inspiring, and picturesque. Try your luck at catching sight of the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos) as you traverse the phenomenal landscapes. Whether you explore the planes of South Africa, Kenya, or Tanzania, an African safari won’t disappoint.
Admire the Aurora Borealis
Viewing the Northern Lights is spectacular, breathtaking, and simply unforgettable. Catching a glimpse of this phenomenon can be unpredictable which makes it even more special for those that get to experience it. If you’re lucky you’ll get to enjoy celestial lights dancing across the sky in vivid shades of green, red, and pink. Iceland is one of the top destinations to try to see this impressive event. Visit between mid-October and early April for your best chance at seeing this legendary light show.
Discover the Lost City of Petra
Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea in Jordan, Petra is a unique city that is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Petra was a major caravan center for the incense of Arabia, the silks of China, and the spices of India. This ancient city is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites with extraordinary temples, tombs, and monasteries. A visit to Petra is the stuff of bucket list dreams!
Fall in Love with Phuket Island
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, and arguably the most famous. Blue waters, sandy beaches, spicy Thai cuisine, and excellent snorkeling and diving are all part of the appeal. Plus, the exceptional climate offers warm, sunny days year-round. There are plenty of memorable things to do in Phuket. The island itself has a beautiful historical old town, great viewpoints, and iconic cultural attractions. It’s also a good base for exploring the nearby islands and their must-see attractions. These include world-famous places like Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands. Whether you choose to relax, explore, or enjoy adventure activities, a trip to Thailand isn’t complete without a stop on Phuket Island.