Do you have a to do list, or simply a list of future trips? You probably do, even if you have never found the time to write it down. Everyone has at least a few things they want to do or places they want to see in their lifetime. These lists can vary in size and content: some people dream of simple pleasures, such as eating authentic Italian pizza in Naples, while others seek the ultimate adrenaline rush from skydiving or swimming with great white sharks in Australia. Whatever you dream of, your list will evolve over time as you discover new adventures and tick off the ones you have finally experienced.
Why are we talking about a travel bucket list? Because, amid all the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, no one really knew when leisure travel could resume or whether it would ever be the same again. That is why we thought: why not make a list of travel experiences we do not want to miss in the years ahead?
So, to inspire the traveller in you, we have compiled 13 of the world’s most worthwhile adventures to aim for during the 2020s.
Go hiking:
If you love walking, hiking and spending time outdoors, there are several world-famous trails you should absolutely add to your list.
1. Sit on top of the world after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Looking for a truly incredible adventure? If you feel brave enough (and are physically fit), book a reliable tour and climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Once you get there, take a moment to sit and take it all in – you will feel like you are on top of the world.
2. Hike to the top of Yosemite Falls
Climb to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall via the Yosemite Falls Trail. You will get a close-up view of the falls and enjoy panoramic views of the distant Sierra Nevada mountains.
3. Hike the Great Wall of China
This landmark is extremely popular with selfie-taking visitors, but you may not know that different sections of the wall offer very different experiences. You can take on challenging hikes or find quiet spots for photographs. Some tour operators even allow you to spend the night in watchtowers.
Go swimming:
Where there is water, there is always fun to be had. If you love the sea, marine wildlife, or simply dipping into crystal-clear pools, plenty of exciting adventures await.
4. Swim in the cenotes of Yucatán
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is home to many beautiful cenotes. These are essentially natural sinkholes filled with deep blue water, where you can enjoy a swim or even dive into the adjoining underground cave systems.
5. Explore Capri’s hidden Blue Grotto
Capri is well known for its magical Blue Grotto, and for good reason. The enchanting blue waters of this hidden cave will make you feel as though you have stepped out of a fairy tale.
6. Swim with turtles at Ningaloo, Western Australia
Who has not dreamed of swimming with sea turtles? Here, you can come face to face with some of the world’s most endangered turtle species, as well as more than 500 other species of marine life on Ningaloo Reef.
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7. Cliff jumping at South Point, Hawaii
When conditions are right, the cliffs at South Point, Hawaii, are every thrill-seeker’s dream. You will jump 40 feet from the cliff edge into the sparkling blue sea below. Ladders attached to old boat hoists make it easy to get in and out of the water, so you can repeat the jump as many times as you like.
8. Zipline over Niagara Falls
The MistRider zipline takes you from the top of the Niagara Gorge and can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. The line is 2,200 feet long, and there are four parallel lines, so you can enjoy the experience with your friends.
9. Bungee jump from Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand
Can you imagine plunging headfirst 140 feet from a bridge? You have got it! Kawarau Bridge Bungy opened back in 1988 and has since become an extremely popular destination for adrenaline junkies.
10. Take a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey
You have probably seen the iconic photos of hot-air balloons floating above Turkey’s “fairy chimneys” – tall, cone-shaped rock formations – so why not join in? You will be amazed by the stunning 360-degree views of central Turkey as you drift through the air.
Sleep under the stars:
Finally, if you are looking for an adventure that ends with a night beneath the stars, consider adding these trips to your to do list.
11. Sleep under the stars in NamibRand
NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia is a rare Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve, and you will never experience a night sky quite like it. You can join a walking group and camp beneath the stars, or if you would prefer something more luxurious, stay at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and gaze at the sky from its observatory.
12. Camp in the Sahara Desert
After a long day of trekking through the desert by camel, you can spend a night or two at a camp amid the silence of the Sahara Desert. Wake up early to watch the sunrise cast mesmerising shadows across the sand dunes.
13. Relax beneath the Northern Lights in Finland
There are several luxury accommodation options in Finland, from glass igloos and lodges to canvas domes and inflatable sleds, so you can spend a cosy night admiring the Northern Lights.
We hope we have inspired you to update your travel bucket list. Share your ideas with us in the comments.