* As Featured in 2023 Bucket List Edition: Experiences to Try
WATCH THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM A BUBBLE | Iceland
Being in a bubble isn’t such a bad thing at Iceland’s “5 Million Star Hotel.” At the Buubble Hotel, guests are treated to guided tours of the Land of Fire and Ice, and at the end of the day, lay their heads in transparent bubbles that offer incredible views of the stars, surrounding forests, and the breathtaking Northern Lights. The experience is truly out of this world and unlike any other night’s stay you’ll encounter.
DIVE WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS | South Africa
Take a deep dive in this specially designed shark-proof cage as these magnificent predators glide past you, breathtakingly close but out of harm’s way. An exhilarating and slightly terrifying experience, this is not an adventure for the faint of heart but one that will leave you with memories (and photos) to last a lifetime.
SNORKEL WITH MANATEES | Crystal River, FL
Don’t be afraid of these gentle giants as they float past you! The Crystal River is one of the best places in the world to snorkel with manatees, as the water is crystal clear (hence the name), and the manatees are friendly—making for a magical experience that you’ll never forget. Make sure to get a photo for the ’Gram!
VIEW THE AFRICAN JUNGLE FROM THE PEAK OF MOUNT KILIMANJARO | Africa
Lions, elephants, and leopards, oh my! Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos—as you hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trip up the mountain is an adventure in itself, but getting to the top is the biggest reward. The tallest mountain in Africa (at 19,341 feet above sea level), Mount Kilimanjaro offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding African jungle.
WALK ALONG THE GREAT WALL | China
You’re going to want to build up some stamina for this one. Snaking its way along the historical border between China and Mongolia, the Great Wall of China is about 13,171 miles and takes an average of 17 months to complete fully. Most people, however, opt to get on and off at various entry points, a more feasible task that still rewards with views of the countryside, ruins, and more.
VISIT THE AMAZON RAINFOREST | South America
Spanning eight countries—Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela—the Amazon offers a slew of bucket list activities. From kayaking to canopy climbing to mountain biking and more, there are plenty of amazing ways to experience this lush forest, which is a marvel itself thanks to unique natural habitats and flora and fauna.
HIKE DOWN THE GRAND CANYON | Arizona
While the Grand Canyon affords amazing views throughout, the bottom will reward you with scenes unlike any other. Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world—millions of people come to see the canyon each year, but only a fraction of them hiked down to the bottom. Though challenging, the feat is certainly worth it.
SNORKEL THE GREAT BARRIER REEF | Australia
If you’re into snorkeling and Scuba diving, the Great Barrier Reef is no doubt one for the bucket list. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, this colossal structure contains over 2,900 individual reefs with myriad colorful fish and coral to feast your eyes on underwater. And don’t fret about sharks—most of them are harmless to humans!
GO ON A SAFARI | Africa
Those who delight in experiencing wildlife up close and personal will delight in a safari in Africa, with some of the best safari destinations spanning the Serengeti in Tanzania, Kruger in South Africa, and Masai Mara in Kenya. You’ll come across leopards, lions, buffalos, rhinos, and the ever-so-smart and friendly elephants—one of the most majestic species on Earth.
SEE A GLACIER UP CLOSE | Multiple Locations
With these beautiful large ice formations disappearing at an alarming rate, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to see them in the future—so now’s your time to cross this one off your bucket list. Top spots around the world to see glaciers include Iceland, New Zealand, Antarctica, Alaska, and Montana (Glacier National Park). You’re definitely going to want to make this one a priority—just don’t forget to dress warm!
HIKE TO THE ELUSIVE SAN FRUTTUOSO ABBEY | Italy
No pain, no gain. The hike to this secluded monastery—which can only be reached by foot or boat—is challenging (expect a few uphill sections), but the trek is well worth it for the stunning scenery. The abbey, surrounded by lush gardens, is also beautiful. Be sure to explore the grounds and take in the incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea and breathtaking nearby scenery.
GO SKYDIVING | Multiple Locations
Calling all adrenaline junkies! If jumping out of an airplane has always been something you wanted to do, add skydiving to your bucket list STAT (and for those who are scared of heights, this is a great way to get over that fear!). Some of the best places to go skydiving are the Bernese Alps in Switzerland, Moab in Utah, and the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The views from the sky are unparalleled!
FLY IN A HOT-AIR BALLOON | Cappadocia, Turkey
If you’re ever going to take a hot-air balloon ride, it should be in Cappadocia, which boasts an awe-inspiring landscape unlike any other in the world thanks to thousands of years of erosion. The flight is like something out of a dream, and you won’t be able to stop yourself from gasping at the beautiful scenery below.
