A bucket list isn’t just a collection of wild dreams it’s a reminder to live intentionally and make time for the moments that matter. While we often tell ourselves “someday,” the truth is that life rarely slows down to make room for adventure. That’s why this year might be the perfect time to finally start checking things off.
From hiking through ancient ruins to sleeping under the stars in a desert, the world is filled with unforgettable experiences that expand our perspective. These aren’t just vacations they’re soul-stretching journeys that stick with you long after your passport is tucked away.
This post rounds up 20 top-rated, awe-inspiring bucket list experiences you can actually do this year. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, culture lover, or nature enthusiast, these ideas will ignite your wanderlust and maybe even give you the push you need to go.
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Quick Easy Tips
Start small if needed: Not every bucket list experience has to be halfway around the world — sometimes a new experience nearby can be just as transformative.
Book early: Many top experiences (like the Inca Trail or Northern Lights tours) sell out months in advance. Plan now, travel later.
Budget wisely: Use flight alerts and local guides to keep costs down. Some of the best experiences are surprisingly affordable with the right timing.
Solo or group?: Decide if the trip calls for self-reflection or shared memories — both offer unique rewards.
Pack for flexibility: Weather, transportation delays, and surprises are part of the adventure. A relaxed mindset is essential.
Bucket lists often get criticized as superficial a checklist of trendy destinations to post on Instagram. But when done with purpose, they’re about much more than bragging rights. They push people out of their comfort zones, challenge routine, and create deeply meaningful memories.
That said, not every item on your list will live up to the fantasy. Touristy crowds, expensive prices, and overly-commercialized attractions can dull the magic if you don’t plan smart. The Eiffel Tower might be iconic, but a sunrise hike in the Dolomites or a quiet local meal in Lisbon could be the experience that actually changes you.
Another controversy lies in who gets to have a “bucket list.” Travel has long been viewed as a luxury, but more people are prioritizing experiences over possessions. Budget airlines, digital nomad visas, and remote work options are opening up the possibility of meaningful travel for more people than ever and it’s redefining what bucket list travel really means.
Top Bucket List Experiences
1. Witness the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
Why: The Northern Lights are a magical, natural light show that can be seen best in winter months in Norway.
Highlights:
Take a guided tour to increase your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis.
Experience Arctic activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, and reindeer sleigh rides.
Best Time: December to March
2. Take a Safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania
Why: The Serengeti offers some of the most iconic wildlife viewing in the world, including the annual Great Migration.
Highlights:
Witness the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).
Catch the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras move in search of fresh grazing.
Best Time: June to October (dry season for game viewing); late May to August (Great Migration)
3. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
Why: The Inca Trail is a bucket list trek that leads to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, blending history, culture, and breathtaking views.
Highlights:
Explore Incan ruins, ancient paths, and spectacular mountain scenery.
Arrive at the Sun Gate at dawn to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Best Time: May to September (dry season)
4. Sail the Greek Islands
Why: The Greek Islands are famous for their blue waters, whitewashed villages, and rich history.
Highlights:
Island hop between spots like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Naxos.
Explore ancient ruins, sample fresh seafood, and relax on beautiful beaches.
Best Time: May to October, with peak months being June to September
5. Visit the Temples of Kyoto, Japan, During Cherry Blossom Season
Why: Kyoto’s temples and gardens become even more magical during cherry blossom season, a quintessentially Japanese experience.
Highlights:
Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
Experience hanami (cherry blossom viewing) at iconic spots like Maruyama Park.
Best Time: Late March to mid-April (for cherry blossoms)
6. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cappadocia, Turkey
Why: Cappadocia’s unique rock formations and fairy-tale landscape are best seen from above in a hot air balloon.
Highlights:
Watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon over “fairy chimney” rock formations.
Explore ancient cave dwellings and underground cities.
Best Time: April to October
7. Road Trip Along the Garden Route, South Africa
Why: The Garden Route offers stunning coastal views, wildlife, and opportunities for adventure.
Highlights:
Drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, stopping at beaches, forests, and game reserves.
Enjoy activities like whale watching, bungee jumping, and hiking in Tsitsikamma National Park.
Best Time: Year-round, though April to October offers less rainfall.
8. Dive in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Why: The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, known for its incredible marine biodiversity.
Highlights:
Snorkel or scuba dive to see colorful coral reefs, fish, turtles, and even sharks.
Consider a liveaboard experience to access more remote parts of the reef.
Best Time: June to October (dry season)
9. Explore the Fjords of Norway by Cruise
Why: Norway’s fjords offer stunning natural beauty with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and picturesque villages.
Highlights:
Cruise through iconic fjords like Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Take part in shore excursions like hiking, kayaking, and scenic train rides.
Best Time: May to September
10. Experience the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why: The Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai is a breathtaking celebration, where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky.
Highlights:
Release your own lantern as part of the festival and watch the night sky light up.
Visit temples in Chiang Mai and experience local festivities and parades.
Best Time: November (exact dates depend on the lunar calendar)
11. Take a Road Trip Through the Dolomites, Italy
Why: The Dolomites are known for their stunning alpine scenery, unique rock formations, and charming Italian villages.
Highlights:
Drive through mountain passes like Passo Gardena and Passo Sella.
Hike trails with views of jagged peaks, serene lakes, and green valleys.
Best Time: June to September (for hiking and scenic drives)
12. Visit Petra, Jordan
Why: Known as the “Rose City,” Petra is an ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Highlights:
Explore the iconic Treasury, the Monastery, and other ancient ruins.
Take part in “Petra by Night,” a candle-lit walk to the Treasury.
Best Time: March to May and September to November
13. Relax in the Thermal Baths of Iceland
Why: Iceland offers a variety of hot springs and geothermal pools, surrounded by surreal landscapes.
Highlights:
Soak in the famous Blue Lagoon or try lesser-known hot springs like the Secret Lagoon.
Visit during winter for a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Best Time: Year-round, though October to March offers a chance to combine with Northern Lights viewing.
14. Attend the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Why: Rio’s Carnival is one of the most famous and vibrant celebrations in the world, known for its music, dance, and elaborate costumes.
Highlights:
Watch the Samba Parade at the Sambadrome, where samba schools compete with dazzling performances.
Join a street party (bloco) and dance along with locals.
Best Time: February or March (depends on the date of Easter)
15. See the Tulip Fields in Holland, Netherlands
Why: The tulip fields in Holland bloom each spring, transforming the landscape into a colorful patchwork.
Highlights:
Visit Keukenhof Gardens, one of the largest flower gardens in the world.
Take a bike ride through the countryside to see endless rows of tulips.
Best Time: Mid-April to early May
16. Explore the Temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Why: Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious monuments in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its detailed carvings and historic significance.
Highlights:
Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat.
Explore other temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider” temple).
Best Time: November to February (cool and dry season)
17. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Why: The Pacific Coast Highway offers one of the most scenic drives in the world along the California coast.
Highlights:
Drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, passing Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Barbara.
Stop at scenic lookouts, visit Hearst Castle, and enjoy coastal hikes.
Best Time: April to October
18. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Why: Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, is a bucket-list climb for adventurers and offers breathtaking views.
Highlights:
Hike through diverse ecosystems, from rainforest to alpine desert to glacial summit.
Take guided multi-day treks for an unforgettable experience.
Best Time: January to March and June to October
19. Visit the Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
Why: The Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, are one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in the world.
Highlights:
Walk the trails on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides for different perspectives.
Take a boat ride to experience the power of the falls up close.
Best Time: March to May and September to November
20. Discover the Ancient City of Jerusalem, Israel
Why: Jerusalem holds profound significance for multiple religions and offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions.
Highlights:
Visit religious sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Explore the bustling markets, historic architecture, and the Mount of Olives.
Best Time: March to May and September to November.
Final Thoughts
The real value of a bucket list isn’t about the number of countries you visit it’s about the transformation that happens along the way. Each new experience reminds us how big and beautiful the world is, and how much we can grow by stepping into the unfamiliar.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make your travel dreams real, this is your sign. The perfect year doesn’t exist but this one is good enough to start. Whether it’s finally learning to surf in Portugal or watching the Northern Lights in Iceland, the world is ready whenever you are.
So dust off your list, pick a destination (or three), and go. Your future self will thank you not for the places you dreamed of going, but for the ones you actually reached.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.