Can you believe that the first year of 2020, the whole new decade we were so excited for, is half over? As many people are still trying to navigate the overwhelming craziness this year has been, I realized that some people want to get back to planning new travel experiences. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got some travel bucket list ideas you are already dreaming about.
But in case you don’t know where to start (or where to go), I have the best travel bucket list ideas. Hopefully this will help you create an epic wishlist that can inspire an unforgettable new decade!
What is a travel bucket list?
Now you might be thinking why in the world (no pun intended) do I even need to make a travel bucket list when I can just go wherever I want?
I get it, believe me I do. Being an adult means that if you want to take a trip and have the time, as well as saved money for traveling, you can just go.
But what about the places you’ve always wanted and hoped to visit but have never pulled the trigger in planning?
Those trips are the type that need to be included on not only your travel bucket list, but also on your digital vision board. Then you can see them, dream about them and work hard to actually make those travels a reality.
If you easily sign up for my newsletter (at the bottom of this post), you will be instantly directed to a free “while I’m away travel cheat sheet” that you can download before your next trip.
What should be on my travel bucket list?
There are no rules for what should be on a travel bucket list, in fact every list will probably look different. A bucket list of travel can be places that are local, far away, destinations you’ve only seen in a book or maybe heard others rave about.
One of your bucket list travel destinations that you visit could be as random as closing your eyes and pointing to a place on the map.
You have the ability and the power to control where you land this year and beyond, so don’t let anyone travel shame you or get in the way of that.
Dig deep and really reflect on the places you truly want to visit.
Think back to when you were a child or during a time you couldn’t travel and could only vacation at home because of a lack of funds, your job, family duties or other priorities and ask yourself if you’re still longing to visit there.
These are the types of places that need to find their way onto your travel bucket list.
Best travel bucket list ideas:
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Choose a place that brings you joy
Is there somewhere in the world that instantly makes your heart happy? This place deserves a spot on your travel bucket for sure. In fact, why limit yourself to just one location?
It’s your bucket list so if you have multiple happy places in the world, put them all down and strive to make traveling there happen.
There are still so many places on my own world travel bucket list. I especially want to check off more experiences on this list of over 200 free things to do in Europe.
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Book a trip to a place you’ve longed to explore
Have you seen pictures in a magazine, a movie or a book that has inspired your wanderlust and just knew you had to go there? The only person stopping you from making it happen is you.
Exploring a brand new place is definitely one way to make you a happier person while creating new memories.
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Plan a trip with friends
This is the year to nurture your friendships more. Plan a trip, any trip, that allows you and your best friends to get away from everyday life.
Relax on a beautiful beach, take a girls only cruise or stay in the best hotel in Amsterdam and explore together.
The only thing I would never ever do is go to Disney World.
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Book a last-minute trip
If you love to plan out every little detail of your trip, this might be a hard one for you but I promise it can be full of happiness.
Instead of spending hours researching where you want to go, just book the first place you see and pack your carry on bag. No planning, no researching, no second-thoughts…nothing.
Grab your best travel essentials, download some helpful, free travel apps and get ready to take a true, spontaneous adventure.
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Give someplace a second chance
Have you ever visited a destination that you felt had so much potential but it turned out to be a less than enjoyable experience? If so, why not give it another chance?
More than likely you’ve changed since your last visit, and that means you just might be able to visit it with fresh eyes and a new appreciation. Sometimes people tend to write off a place or location because of something bad that may have happened along the way.
In all reality it could have simply just been out of your control. Maybe it’s time to give that place a chance to prove it’s really as awesome as you originally thought.
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Take the plunge and travel across the world
People often think of international travel as something they need at least a full week to accomplish.
Let me tell you a secret…that is definitely wrong!
Over the last few years some of my very best trips have been 3-4 day, long weekend getaways.
If you have vacation time at work or the ability to travel, I say search for the best airfare prices, pack those bags and go!
The culture, free things to do and experiences that are waiting, have the potential to be a life-changing experience — or travel could possibly ruin your life.
What are the top 10 bucket list items?
In case you need specific travel ideas, here are destinations you might really love, as well as some fun activities to do:
- Scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef
- Go whale watching at Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park in Québec. This is known as one of the best whale-watching sites in the world.
- Swim in Palawan, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is considered one of the world’s most impressive natural places.
- Stay in the Lake Powell, Arizona area and take a tour through the unbelievably beautiful caves of Antelope Canyon. When you are done there, plan on heading over to the iconic Horseshoe Bend so you can experience it in two unique ways.
- Explore and eat your way through Italy. Please don’t miss out on Rome, Pisa, Pompeii or Venice.
- Hop on a plan and live it up in Vegas. Go see a concert, experience a show or eat as much as you can at one of the many delicious buffets.
- Visit New York City and get a cheap Broadway ticket, or take the ferry to Ellis Island for the Statue of Liberty.
- See the oldest and biggest of the pyramids, the Great Pyramid of Giza, because it truly is bucket list goals.
- Hike to Christ the Redeemer, which overlooks the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
- Adventure up, up and away in a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert at sunrise.
So you see that planning a bucket list can be something that doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Instead, it’s actually fun to dream of and hopefully check off some of the places on your travel list.
What are your travel bucket list ideas for this year?
GRAB YOUR FREEBIE!
