Are you tired of sitting at home and not experiencing anything new? Do you feel like it’s been forever since you saw your friends and went on a trip together? Would you love to plan an adventure with your partner once traveling gets back to normal, but you’re missing inspiration? Well, then you’re not alone!
If you’re an adventurer and would love to do something extraordinary after months of spending time at your home office or studying, you’ll enjoy reading this article.
Below you’ll find the best travel bucket list ideas that will inspire your adventurous soul! Keep reading if you don’t want to miss the coolest destinations and activities you may experience just once in your life!
25) Admire cherry blossom season in the most iconic places in Japan
Cherry blossom season is one of the most celebrated events in the Japanese calendar you’ll fall in love with. Many places across Japan are covered in pink and you can just walk and admire this natural beauty. Cherry blossoms usually bloom between mid-March and early May. In 2022, cherry blossoms are expected to open around March 20 in Tokyo.
It’s not easy to pick the best spot for cherry blossom as there are thousands of great locations around the country, but it’s a unique experience to visit any of them.
Source: Instagram: @kazumma527
24) Glide on ice skates through a snowy forest in Switzerland
This is an excellent experience for all ice-skating lovers! A 3-km long trail transforms into an ice-skating track in the winter and goes through the snowy forest from Bad Alvaneu to Surava along the Albula River in Switzerland.
Unfortunately, you won’t experience the ice-skating through the forest in winter 2021/2022 as the facility is closed due to Covid-19, but you can add it to your travel bucket list for 2022/2023.
Source: Instagram: @laennas
23) Ride a giant water slide and swing over the ocean in Maldives
The Maldives is a paradise if you want to relax and enjoy yourself, but you might also appreciate fun activities besides chilling on the beach.
In Soneva Fushi resort, you will find overwater villas with giant water slides that you can ride every day with your partner or a friend. Anantara Dhigu Maldives resort is in one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives and offers a swing for two directly in the middle of it. Sounds like fun, right?
You’ll find more resorts in the Maldives featuring water slides or swings over the ocean, so it’s up to you which one you choose for your unforgettable journey in paradise.
Source: Instagram: @iqbalgran
22) Dangle on a giant rope swing over the jungle in Bali
Never been to Bali, but it's on your bucket list? Yeah, it's a great destination to travel to and a perfect place for adventurous travelers. One of the most popular things you can experience in Bali is to try a giant rope swing. One of Bali's best and most popular swings is located in the Bali Swing park near Ubud.
If you don't feel like you want to fly over the jungle, you can take cool pictures in the large birds’ nests they have available in the park for taking cool photos.
Source: Instagram: @bali
21) Experience a magical train ride with the Glacier Express in Switzerland
This almost eight-hour journey through the breathtaking Swiss Alps with Europe’s slowest express train should be on your bucket list. You can experience this ride any time, but winter is the most epic as nature is covered in snow, and it’ll feel like a real winter wonderland. The Glacier Express provides stunning views through panoramic windows, so don’t forget your camera at home. During your ride, you can enjoy a nice meal and listen to the information about the attractions from headphones. The Glacier route goes from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
You’ll find the Glacier Express in the Travel Challenge Book - Europe, so you can check it off the bucket list once you finish the ride. You can also stick some photos in the book or write notes from this unforgettable experience.
Source: Instagram: @cumacevikphoto
20) Float in the Siwa Oasis, one of Egypt's most stunning hidden places
Siwa Oasis is a unique place far away from Cairo’s pulsing capital and close to Egypt’s western borders. It’s a relaxing place in the middle of a desert with many palm trees. Siwa Oasis features many natural springs (salty and fresh), but the highlight of your journey will be the salt lakes. If you’ve ever dreamed about floating on the water of the Dead Sea, but you don’t like the crowds, you can go to Siwa to float. Also, salty water has a healing power that helps with any skin issues.
Source: Instagram: @thedaydreamdrifter
19) Sleep in of the most unique tree houses in Swedish Lapland
There are many options to stay overnight in a treehouse almost everywhere globally, but Treehotel offers unique treehouses of different shapes and designs in a tall pine forest of Swedish Lapland. You can choose between the Mirrorcube (outside walls are covered with reflective glass), Bird’s nest (the exterior looks like a giant bird’s nest), the Ufo, or a couple of others.
All treehouses are based in a quiet location, so there won’t be anything else other than you and your loved one. It’s a perfect place for romantic dreamers!
You can still experience plenty of activities like a snowmobile safari, ice fishing, a snowshoe walk, a forest spa, horseback riding, etc.
Source: Instagram: @treehotel
18) Climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views
This ultimate 3-hour climbing experience to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge will blow you away with extraordinary panoramic views. You’ll be part of a hiking group, and once you finish your journey and get back, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement. This is excellent training if you want to face your fear of heights. Also, if you’re looking for unique ways to propose to your partner, you can book a romance package and pop the question on the top of the bridge. Cool, no?
Source: Instagram: @elorunstheworld
17) Dive into a hidden underground swimming hole when visiting Mexico
A cenote is a natural underground swimming hole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. There are many cenotes all across the Yucatan Peninsula, and you can reach most of them within a few hours’ drive from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. Most cave cenotes have crystal-clear freshwater, and swimming or diving is a beautiful adventure.
Source: Instagram: @abby_hawaii
16) Enjoy the epic hike to Trolltunga, one of the best hikes in Norway
If you decide to hike to Trolltunga, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the nature and breathtaking views along the way. It’s a long and quite difficult hike that may take up to 12 hours to accomplish, but it’s worth it. Once you reach the top, you can sit on the edge of the rock with your feet hanging above the fjord below.
Trolltunga is one of the travel bucket list destinations included in the Travel Challenge Book – Europe, so you can check it off your list once you accomplish the hike.
Source: Instagram: @trolltungaactive
15) Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system
If you want to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world, you have to visit the Great Barrier Reef. This living masterpiece is home to diverse marine life and offers excellent opportunities for fantastic adventure whenever you’re traveling on a budget or in luxury. You can stay in one of the many coastal gateways like Airlie Beach and Cairns and enjoy swimming, diving, snorkeling, and sailing in the Great Barrier Reef.
Source: Instagram: @davewilcockphotography
14) Learn how to sandboard like a pro across the world
No snow, no problem! There are many places around the world where you can try sandboarding and become a pro in this funny activity. Here some cool hotspots for you: Duna Grande in Inca (Peru), Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado), Tottori Sand Dune (Japan), Cerro Negro Volcano (Nicaragua), Monte Kaolino (Germany). Also, you’ll find cool places in Australia and UAE.
Source: Instagram: @brunomartins
13) Visit the Sphinx Observatory, the second highest observation deck in Switzerland
The Sphinx Observatory on Jungfraujoch in Switzerland is one of the highest observatories in the world. This beautiful place offers magnificent views of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger peaks, forming a massive wall of mountains. You don’t need to climb there. An ultrafast lift will take you to the top so that you can enjoy the views.
Jungfrau region is a part of the Travel Challenge Book – Europe, so you can quickly check it off your bucket list once you reach the top. Don’t forget to stick photos!
Source: Instagram: @aventouro
12) Fly above Grand Canyon National Park in a helicopter
Above the Grand Canyon, helicopter tours are offer a unique opportunity to see some of the most famous landmarks in this vast area. Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and an essential destination for your travel bucket list.
Source: Instagram: @rob.swan.photography
11) Walk on a double-decker glass bridge overlooking a mountain valley in China
Ruyi Bridge is located in a Shenxianju Scenic Area (some travelers reported Baita Town, Xianju) in China’s Zhejiang Province and it’s a new tourist attraction that opened in September 2020. The bridge spans the east and west gorges of Shenxianju and provides a remarkable experience for all visitors who pass.
Shenxianju Scenic Area has a lot to offer, including mountains, rivers, a large number of naturally formed waterfalls, cliffs and caves, pretty woods, and beautiful peaks. There are more than 80 scenic sites in the mountains, and the area is worth exploring for every adventurous traveler.
Source: Instagram: @luckytrip
10) Have a delicious dinner in the sky above the streets of Dubai
If you’re looking for a unique experience of having dinner with your partner or friend somewhere other than in a restaurant, this is an opportunity for you. Eat your meal at a table suspended by a crane above the city, and enjoy beautiful views of Dubai.
Source: Instagram: @dinnerintheskyuae
9) Touch the crystal ice cave and walk on the Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland
This is for travelers looking for an unusual experience and those wanting to add an awe-inspiring adventure to their Icelandic vacation full of geysers and waterfalls. If you want to explore the Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, you can book an incredible tour combining glacier hiking and visiting its ice cave. You can book your tour here and once you complete it, don’t forget to check the Vatnajökull National Park off your travel bucket list in the Travel Challenge Book – Europe.
Source: Instagram: @iryskashevchuk
8) Have breakfast with giraffes in a manor in Kenya
Imagine yourself having a nice breakfast with your partner or friend in Giraffe Manor (Nairobi), when suddenly a giraffe sneaks in through a window and starts sniffing around your table. She is hungry, so it’s time for breakfast! This hotel turned into a trendy tourist attraction, and you can find many pictures of it on Instagram. It’s located in Nairobi.
Source: Instagram: @missignes
7) Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Love Valley in Cappadocia
A hot air balloon flight is a must when you’re in Cappadocia. It’s a once in a lifetime flying adventure that you will never forget. You can choose if you want to fly with a group or you can book a private flight with a tasty breakfast and champagne. The balloons usually take off before sunrise, so be ready to get up early for your ride.
Source: Instagram: @ilyagorelof
6) Watch the Northern Lights from inside a glass igloo in Finish Lapland
Glass igloos are a perfect way to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed, and Finish Lapland is known to be the best places to see them. Stay warm, cuddle with your loved one, and admire the beauty of the Aurora Borealis - one of the seven natural wonders.
Source: Instagram: @alaa_oth
5) Hike to Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise once you reach the top
Even if you’re not an experienced hiker, you can still visit Machu Picchu and admire the beauty of one of the seven wonders of the world. It’s an incredible experience if you’re staying on the mountain in the early morning and watching the sun slowly covering the hills and the ancient Inca ruins. When you decide to hike to Macchu Picchu, go during the dry season, which is late May through early October, otherwise be prepared for rain, fog, and mist.
Source: Instagram: @turismo_machupicchu
4) Glide through the blue sky of Bir Billing, known as the paragliding capital of India
If you don’t fear heights, you’ll love paragliding. One of the most popular spots for tandem paragliding in the world is Bir Billing at the Himachal Pradesh in India. Have you never tried paragliding before? No problem. You’ll fly together with an experienced pilot. This is a great adventure you can experience with your loved one or a group of friends.
Source: Instagram: @artharoundearth
3) Climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa
You can visit Tanzania for Safari, but if you want to bring your adventure to the next level, you should climb Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits (the highest mountains on each of the seven continents). Some planning and preparation before the climb are worth it as it‘ll determine how much you’ll enjoy the whole trek from start to finish. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, and you’ll be proud of yourself once you reach the top.
Source: Instagram: @itsmywanderland
2) Fly down a mountain on the World’s Longest Zipline in the United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jais is the highest mountain of the United Arab Emirates and a place with the World’s Longest Zipline, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It’s a must-visit place for every adventurer and has to be on your bucket list. You’ll experience a scenic flight at speeds over 120 kph for almost 3 kilometers. That’s amazing, isn’t it?
Source: Instagram: @platinumlistuae
1) Boost your adrenaline with the world’s scariest swing
Nevis Swing in New Zealand is the fastest and most giant swing in the world. It’s an adventure for the bravest travelers. If you decide to go for it, you’ll be sitting on the swing at a terrifying height and then suddenly dropped down at an incredible speed. It’s up to you how you want to swing. You can go alone, with a friend, forward, backward or even upside down. It depends on how brave you are! Here you can book your swing.
Do you like the 25 listed ideas? I’ve created this adventurous bucket list for myself and thought that I could share it with you as well. Here you can download the list with all of the 25 ideas and mark off the ones you’ve already experienced.
Let me know which one is your favorite!