For those who don’t know us, we are Ros and Alan, an Australian couple who spend part of the year in beautiful Chiang Mai Thailand and the rest of the year travelling the world ticking off our ultimate bucket list destinations.
During our travels we have been fortunate to tick off many bucket list trips of a lifetime.
Exotic India, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, sunrise at Angkor Wat, the bright lights of New York, the beautiful spa towns of the Czech Republic and romance of Santiago, are just some of our most treasured bucket list experiences.
We are so grateful to have had the chance to visit so many wonderful destinations. Chasing bucket list dreams can be addictive. With so many destinations to choose from, we decided to put together a selection of bucket list ideas to help you create your own destination wish list.
We begin with our own list of places to see before you die, our own wish list of places to travel in the future.
Cool Bucket List Ideas – Cruises
When making that list of places to go before you die, don’t just think of sun, sand and sea, consider exploring cold climate bucket list destinations.
Being an Australian from Queensland with an average winter temperature of 16C (60F), experiencing a cold climate is on the top of my travel bucket list.
To many Australians the thought of seeing snow, sitting by an open fire sipping cocoa and watching snowflakes fall is a lifelong fantasy.
Alaska Cruise
Alaska has always fired the imagination, the image of adventurous men heading off to make their fortune panning for gold in this harsh, unforgiving landscape filled me with admiration.
The recent flood of Alaskan TV shows captures the rugged beauty of the 49th State of the USA.
I’ve always dreamt of sailing through Alaska on a cruise. Visions of cruising through ice laden waters spotting humpback whales, seals and bird life always appealed to me. Watching massive blocks of ice break off towering glaciers into deep fjords, remind us how small we are compared to the majesty of nature.
Visiting the towns made famous by the Alaskan gold rush, discovering the history of the native Alaskans and hiking in pristine forest and discovering Alaskan wildlife are just some of the reasons why Alaska is on the top of my bucket list trips of a lifetime.
Antarctica Cruise
Antarctica would have to be the world’s last frontier, Alaska on steroids! Antarctica is a place that most of us will never see, but still I love to dream.
An Antarctica cruise would have to be the ultimate adventure and one that allows you to discover one of my favourite destinations, South America!
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I fell in love with South America when I visited Chile and Peru. It’s easy to imagine you are in Spain as you walk amid the Spanish colonial architecture. It’s not until you look into the faces of the locals and see their ancient Incan heritage, that you remember you are in South America.
One departure point for an Antarctica cruise is Buenos Aires in Argentina, a city that has been on my bucket list for many years. Buenos Aires is home to beef, wine and the Tango, what more could you ask for!
Envisage a world swathed in blue and white, a world where ice and deep blue ocean meet. A land of tall jagged mountains, thick ice shrouded land and massive ice flows that glow a ghostly blue.
A playground for humpback whales, penguins and leopard seals. All reasons for making Antarctica my ultimate bucket list dream.
Nile River Cruise & Balloon Ride
Egypt has been on my bucket list since I was a teenager. The stories of the ancient Pharaohs wove a magical spell that has intrigued me ever since. Though visiting Egypt isn’t as safe as it once was, it is still on many peoples bucket list.
Looking into the face of the Sphinx and towering Pyramids must be classed as one of the top bucket list encounters of a lifetime. Imagine the glory of discovering a Pharaohs tomb as you gaze at the exquisite gold mask of Tutankhamen.
Cruise down the River Nile at sunset and watch traditional Felucca boats as they drift on by. Their large sails silhouetted against the sinking sun, a sight that has been seen for millennium.
Walk in the footsteps of the Pharaohs as you explore the ancient temples of Karnak and Luxor. See a new day dawn over Luxor and the Valley of the Kings as you glide silently through the air in a hot air balloon.
Great Train Journeys
Ride the Ghan
Travelling on “The Ghan” to discover the timeless beauty of the Australian outback would have to be one of the world’s most unforgettable train journeys.
I remember my Mother buying meat off the Ghan when my family lived in Woomera in the late 1970’s. With the nearest city hours away on an unsealed road, The Ghan was the lifeblood of the outback, connecting and supplying small communities with essential needs.
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Today the Ghan is a luxurious train with all the creature comforts of a 5-star hotel. The train journey slices through the centre of Australia from Darwin in the North to Adelaide in the South.
The train has a choice of comfortable cabin styles. Take the time to relax and socialise with fellow guests with a glass of wine in the Outback Explorers Lounge or dine in the Queen Adelaide restaurant. The restaurant serves a selection of the best Australian cuisine, wines and cheeses.
Looking out the window you can take in the beauty and isolation of our wide brown land and wonder at the fortitude of this lands first pioneers.
Off train excursions include many of my bucket list destinations, Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayres Rock), Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge and my former home, Darwin.
An African Safari
One of the advantages of bucket list dreams is that you can dream BIG! Observing wildlife in their natural habitat would have to be one of the most exhilarating travel experiences.
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There are many game parks in Africa, most popular are Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Masai Mara National Reserve is famous for big cats, giraffe, zebra and leopards.
Serengeti National Park is renowned for lions, cheetahs and the wildebeest migration which also spills into Masai Mara National Reserve.
Kruger National Park is well-known for lions, leopards, rhinos and elephants.
Each park has a range of accommodations styles that range from bush camps, lodges and luxury accommodation.
Last Words on Bucket List Trips of a Lifetime
No matter what destination your bucket list holds, always remember to dream. A dream becomes a goal and a goal becomes a reality, so make your bucket list dreams come true.
Do you have a bucket list destination? Have you been on a bucket list trip? Feel free to comment, we would love to hear from you.
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