My Travel Bucket List

See the Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, are one of nature’s wonders. Before science discovered their cause, they were woven into the myths of several societies. They may or may not appear when expected, but that just makes seeing them even more special. I definitely want to see them in person, not just in photographs.

Eat Escargot in France

Food is, apparently, one of the best ways to experience a culture. Avoiding traditional fare while travelling is to miss one of the most memorable parts of travel. For this reason, I want to eat escargot (otherwise known as cooked snails) in France (I like France).

Drive the Ring Road, Iceland

This includes both a road trip (great way to see the countryside) and seeing Iceland (a country with beautiful scenery). There are several great geothermal pools, waterfalls, and other natural sites along the road that I want to see.

Get a job overseas

Having a job while overseas makes it possible to stay in a foreign country for longer. And when (or if) you return home your CV will be more impressive: you’ll look more confident, more adaptable, and open to new experiences. You’ll also learn new things, like the local language and culture. These are all advantages that I would love to have.

Besides, even if I can’t get a professional job, it’s alright to make coffees or wait tables – it’s so much cooler to say that I work at a menial job in a foreign country than doing the same thing at home.

Go on a Cruise

Cruises offer a different type of holiday. They’re relatively cheap and easy to plan (all inclusive), you only have to unpack once, and you can see many different places on the same trip. However, they don’t offer the same freedom of choice that other types of holidays might, and I prefer to do things a bit slower. Still, I am a believer of trying new things at least once, and who knows? I might really enjoy it.

Visit a developing country

In first world countries, we tend to take things for granted. I hope to take a visit to an underdeveloped country in order to renew my appreciation for what I have. I also want the chance to see these countries and their cultures for myself, rather than depending all my life on what the media shows.

Go on an African Safari

An African safari gives you the chance to see wild animals in person. This is made even more special by the fact that many of the animals are endangered; I want to see them before no one can see them anymore. In addition to this, the better safari companies contribute to conservation efforts and I would like it if the money I paid towards a safari experience were to help fund this.

Set foot on all 7 continents

There’s something cool about being able to say that you’ve been everywhere (or at least every continent; every country is a little unrealistic). It shows experience of a wide variety of cultures, more so than visiting many countries on the same continent.

I particularly want to visit Europe and South America, but there are things I want to see one the other continents as well (like the silk road in Central Asia).

Volunteer at an Elephant sanctuary

While it looks like fun to ride an elephant, the methods used to tame them is far from humane. I don’t want to add to this problem but would still like to spend time with the majestic giants. They seem so lovely and intelligent.

Ride a camel

However, I do want to ride an animal that is different and “cool.” Camel-riding is more ethical than elephant-riding, and still creates a fantastic photo opportunity and great experience. In an ideal world, I would ride a camel on a tour of Egypt, Turkey, the middle east, or somewhere like that. However, Australia is much closer and cheaper, so I might do a camel tour there instead.

Try a Capsule Hotel

Designed to help with overcrowding, a capsule hotel is a type of accommodation where guests sleep in ‘capsules’ or ‘pods’ stacked around each other. These spaces are about the size of a single or double bed and have enough headspace to sit upright. They often come with fold-out table space, electrical sockets for charging devices, and a personal reading light. Similar to hostels, guests share communal bathroom facilities and belongings can be left in lockers.

It looks quite novel, and I would like to see just how it compares to regular hostels.

Fly business class

Business class is a luxury few travellers who aren’t rich can afford to splash out on. Just once, I would like to fly without being cramped or being unable to change position. I would like to sleep on the plane, rather than trying to sleep while sitting upright (or sitting still with my eyes closed for hours, unable to drop off to sleep despite the sleeping tablets).

Hike a Multi-day trek

A multi-day trek appears to have numerous health benefits, not just physical but mental and spiritual. It is a great way to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. People come back fitter, happier, and proud that they achieved something so amazing.

I would particularly like to hike to Machu Picchu (maybe the Inca Trail, or another less-touristy track). I think that I would be more appreciative of the view having worked to achieve it, and there is bound to be some nice scenery on the walk.