Ultimate Travel and Adventure Bucket List: Must-Do Experiences

One thing you should know about me, I LOVE a list. A to-do list, a top 10 list, a list of shows to watch, books to read, and everything in between. So, naturally, as I seek to pursue more adventure, to travel, to touch grass, and be less chronically online, creating a travel bucket list to guide the process and provide inspiration was the perfect place to start.

In the spirit of what Somewhere IRL is about, the list is broken down into two sections:

• international experiences
• local explorations.

This ensures that the adventures don’t stop, whether you are at home or away.

International Experiences

Food Tour

Joining a food tour on your first or second day in a new destination is an amazing way to immerse yourself in the local culture. It’s a fantastic introduction to the neighborhoods and flavors of the area. I’ve discovered most of my food tours through Viator and Airbnb, which I highly recommend as starting points.

For an immersive culinary experience, you could also sign up for cooking classes to learn how to make a local dish, or  design an entire trip around food, hitting all the must see food places in the area.

Last year I had the opportunity to see Machu Picchu, with great tour guides from Guru explorers and it was a wonderful experience (10/10 would recommend). The tour was fantastic! Visiting ancient ruins makes you realize just how vast the human experience is, you get a glimpse of worlds and lives that happened before yours and in many ways contributed to the world you experience today. It’s an eye opening and humbling experience; If I have the chance to see more ruins in other countries, and learn the history of ancient civilizations I’ll be jumping at it. 

Some ancient ruins you can to explore:

• Stonehenge
• Pyramids of Giza
• Chichen Itza
• Petra, jordan
• Angkor wat

Embark on a Safari Adventure

A safari is a wonderful addition to any bucket list, It has certainly been mine for years. I cannot imagine a better way to witness lions, and elephants in their natural habitat like the Serengeti while skipping the questionable animal “sanctuaries”

See the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

The northern lights in Iceland seem like a magical experience, and witnessing them is definitely something you should do at least once. If Iceland feels out of reach, consider heading to Canada—Yellowknife or Northern Ontario are excellent options for viewing the aurora borealis.

Unconventional Accommodations

Airbnb is teeming with these! And it would be such a fun stay. From a hobbit house to a treehouse in the wilderness, an underground home in the Australian Outback, an igloo, or even a submarine—the limit really does not exist!

Join a festival

Dive into vibrant festivals around the globe! Celebrate Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Diwali in India, the Night of the Three Saints in Portugal, or La Tomatina—the world’s biggest food fight—in Spain.

Before you go, research the history of  your chosen festival, adhere to their customs and rules of behavior. Basically, have some decorum and don’t be THAT tourist who ruins the festival for the locals. 

Visit Iconic Landmarks and tourist attractions

Some people have an aversion to doing “tourist activities,” but the reality is that if you do not live in the area long-term and contribute to that society on a daily basis, you are a visitor, a tourist, a temporary resident, a guest (choose your label). Assuming that skipping tourist attractions makes you one of the locals is a bit insulting to the people who contribute to that society every day and have a deep history and connection to the place.

There’s nothing wrong with being a tourist as long as you remain mindful of how your presence impacts the residents and the local economy. Tourist attractions are there for a reason—for you, the tourist, to see them—so do it! Go to the typical tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, Big Ben, etc., and cross them off your bucket list.

Scenic Train Journeys

Take a breathtaking train journey and soak in stunning landscapes. If you find yourself moving through Europe, opt for a train instead of flying. It’s often a lot cheaper and gives you the chance to take in the stunning landscapes. 

North America also offers incredible train journeys that shouldn’t be overlooked. For example, Amtrak highlights four of the most scenic train rides in the United States. Similarly, Canada’s vast size makes train travel one of the best ways to explore its diverse and stunning landscapes, with scenic train routes and plenty of opportunities to stop and experience the country along the way.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

This bucket list item is grand, yet self-explanatory. Take a ride over iconic destinations such as Cappadocia, the Serengeti, or the Australian Outback for a once in a lifetime experience. 

Local Explorations

Here are a list of adventures to embark on in your own backyard

Cooking classes or host a cookbook party

I know I mentioned cooking classes in the international section, so this might feel like cheating—but hear me out! If you’re craving a local adventure, consider signing up for a cooking class nearby. Many cities offer these classes as part of their community programs, and they’re a fantastic way to meet new people and connect with your local community.

For a fun twist on travel-inspired dining, gather your friends for a potluck with an international theme. Each person can choose a recipe from a different part of the world, cook it, and bring it to share.

Another option is to select a specific cookbook, have everyone pick a recipe from it, and then come together for a delicious dinner party. Both ideas bring a touch of travel to your table

Explore Local markets and Historic landmarks

 As mentioned earlier, I am not afraid of being considered a tourist, and you can be a tourist in your own city! When we live somewhere for a long time, it’s easy to see everything around us as ordinary. Take a step back and view your city through the eyes of a visitor. What exciting opportunities or landmarks might you have overlooked?

Explore local farmers’ markets and pop ups to discover fresh produce, handmade crafts, and unique items/food. Dive into your region’s history by visiting museums and historical sites—you never know what gems you might find. 

Hike Nature Trails

When I said “go touch grass” I meant it. Literally just go outside and take a stroll or a hike. Whether it’s a local park, national park or neighborhood trail, going outside is a good way to take time for yourself and explore affordably.   I recently discovered AllTrails, and it’s an amazing way to get outside for free. The app lets you explore and choose trails of varying terrains and difficulty levels.

It doesn’t have to be extreme—even in most cities, you can likely find a nice, paved trail that’s easy to navigate. Put on your headphones, take a leisurely walk, and soak in the nature/city around you

Attend Local Festivals

Immerse yourself in local culture by attending festivals, concerts, and cultural events. In most cases, your city’s tourism board will have a newsletter you can subscribe to, keeping you updated on weekly events. And the best part? Entry to many of these festivals is free.

Have dinner with strangers

If you’re up for a unique experience, consider having dinner with strangers in your city. I recently reviewed Time Left, a new app that connects you with strangers in your area for dinner on Wednesday nights at 7pm.  The app aims to pair you with people of a similar age or interests, making it a great way to meet like-minded individuals.

It’s such a refreshing concept for meeting people through an app. I had a lovely time, met people I might never have crossed paths with, discovered new places in my city, and enjoyed an affordable way to add a little excitement to an otherwise mundane week.

Take a Day Trip or weekend trip

Exploring nearby towns and cities is a fun and budget-friendly way to satisfy your sense of adventure. Planning a weekend getaway is relatively easy, especially if you’re short on time or looking to save money.  

In a recent blog post, I share tips on how to plan the perfect weekend getaway. From mapping out your itinerary to making the most of your time exploring, there’s an art to maximizing your weekend trip.

Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill isn’t about reaching a specific destination—it’s a different kind of adventure. Nothing could have prepared me for the surprising joys I discovered when I decided to pick up a new sport on a whim. By adding something fresh and exciting to your routine, you open the door to meeting new people, learning more about yourself, and experiencing personal growth in unexpected ways. some ideas to get you started: you could try tennis, pottery, cooking, painting, or dance