Bucket lists. All the things to do and see before you kick said bucket. Everyone's bucket list is going to be different based on personal preference, for example, you will never EVER find any form of parachute jump/bungee jump on my list. No thank you. There are, however, some places that everyone considers bucket list worthy...
Hot air balloon safari in Kenya
I first visited Africa in 2016. I went to South Africa and fell in love. Since then, I have researched a lot into Africa, especially the wildlife side. I was due to return in 2020 to explore Uganda and Rwanda and trek wild Chimps and Gorillas, however, COVID put a stop to that one. Boo. Although that would have ticked some things off my list, it wouldn't have ticked off this bad boy. It's been on my bucket list since 2016. I found out about the wildebeest migration that happens in Kenya and thought that was a must see event for me. Not long after that, I found out you could view the migration and go on safari all from a hot air balloon...now if that isn't bucket list worthy I don't know what is!
(Pictures from: Luxe adventure traveler, Governors camp , Top tourist and Basecamp explorer)
Northern lights
I know. It's literally on everyone's list already. So why bother mentioning it? Because the northern lights are simply one of the most beautiful natural events that happen and I think everyone should aspire to see them at least once. There are certain times of the year that are best to try and view the lights so make sure you research into it before booking your trip! Also, why not knock it up a notch and make it 'stay in a glass igloo under the Northern lights'? Yeah. Such a thing exists. No, people cannot see you on the toilet.
(Pictures from: Best served, Natural world Safaris and Hurtigruten)
Climb a mountain
It doesn't matter how big or how small of a mountain, I've always just wanted to climb one! I actually ticked this off my list this year when I climbed Pen Y Fan with Tim and Harley (you can read about that in my blog about holidaying with a husky).
This is something that everyone can achieve and should try to do! It can be a fun family activity or a serious life goal/milestone, depending on how extreme you take it. There are a fair amount of mountains to climb and hike up in the UK but you can always take this one overseas and hike up some stunning mountains abroad. Make sure you do your research into the walk before hand to ensure it is at your level of capability and you will be comfortable doing it. Push yourself, but not to the point that you're not enjoying it.
Visit an Elephant sanctuary
As an animal lover, this was on my bucket list from an early age. Elephants are such beautiful animals that draw in a lot of tourism for their native countries. This is why you need to research into sanctuaries to ensure you are happy with their ethics before you visit. If the sanctuary cannot tell you where their Elephants came from, why they are there etc then there is probably something dodgy going on. Try to find sanctuaries that have rescued Elephants from the logging trade or the entertainment trade and are registered charities. Avoid places that offer Elephant rides or don't partake in them.
If they offer the chance to engage with the Elephant (feed them, touch them) ensure the Elephant can move away if they want to (not chained or forced) and that there is a beneficial reason for the interaction. This could be something like the animal has daily training for health check reasons and this involves handling from the careers (you just happen to be there to witness it). Or the Elephants enjoy a daily swim in the river and the careers often join them to encourage natural behaviours (and you get the chance to join in to).
Whatever you do, ensure it is ethical, sustainable and cruelty free (for animals and humans alike). Also, ensure it is enjoyable, fun and will be a life long memory (again, for animals and humans alike).
Go on a road trip
Route 66 yeah? When we say road trip, this is what comes into everyone's head. Me and Tim have this planned for the USA leg of our gap year but it's not the only epic road trip you can do! Scotland to Cornwall anyone? Wales to Norfolk? Amsterdam to Greece? That's the joy of road trips, you can go pretty much wherever you want to! Make sure you've got the correct paperwork and an up to date passport then hit the road.
I can't lie, for me, I have always wanted an epic kind of road trip. Like you see in all the American coming of age films, driving through the Grand Canyon along the dusty roads, wearing a plaid shirt and a cowboy hat, listening to Kid Rock. You know what I mean, don't you? You can see it. This is why I am extremely excited for our Route 66 (kinda-we've added a few stops) campervan road trip! Singing sweet home Alabama all summer long...
(Pictures from: English live and getty images)
Were any of these already on your bucket list? Will you be adding them to it now? Let me know down below! What is your number 1 must do on your bucket list?
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