There are a few things I’ve ticked off my travel bucket list in life – seeing the northern lights in Sweden, surfing in Australia, sailing across Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. There are still plenty of travel experiences I want to have and these are just some of the ones up there.
See the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza have been around for approximately 4,500 years and were built as tombs for the pharaohs, along with smaller pyramids surrounding them for their family members. I’ve heard mixed reviews about Egypt and a lot of people found the pyramids to be underwhelming, but it’s still a wonder of the world I’d like to experience for myself.
Walk along the Great Wall of China
This is something that I could have ticked off my bucket list in 2020, but alas after covid broke out we had to change our travel plans and come home after Vietnam instead of travelling to Beijing. Of course walking the whole wall is quite an impossible task as it spans over 21km, but there are tours available where you get the chance to walk through parts of the wall.
Explore Petra
Petra is an ancient city located in present-day Jordan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. What makes Petra unique and awe-inspiring is its architecture and the way it was carved into the rose-coloured sandstone cliffs.
The city is accessed through a narrow gorge called the Siq, which opens up to reveal iconic structures such as the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Monastery (Ad-Deir), and numerous tombs, temples, and dwellings. I remember seeing Petra in the movie ‘Death on the Nile’ and was immediately fascinated by it.
Ride in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia
This is definitely something that I only discovered through social media a few years ago and I had to add to my bucket list. The views look breathtaking and for this unique experience it will only set you back £120. I haven’t given much thought to whether I’d find flying in a hot air balloon scary, so if you’ve done this before I’d love to know your thoughts!
Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Visiting New Orleans has been at the top of my ‘countries to visit’ list for a long time, and what better time to visit than the Mardi Gras festival? The festival takes place every spring and involves parades, parties, music, dancing and the wearing of colourful costumes and lots of beads!
Eat beignets and gumbo in New Orleans
To follow up on my previous point, I’m also obsessed with NOLA food. Gumbo is a hearty stew made from combinations of seafood, meat or vegetables that’s served hot over cooked rice (and can be quite spicy). I’ve tried gumbo before but would love to have the authentic experience. Beignets are not as sweet as a traditional doughnut and are slightly puffier and square in shape. If you’re a fan of the Vampire Diaries and spin-off shows then I bet this place is also on your bucket list!
Trek to Machu Picchu
There are a few ways to experience Machu Picchu. You can choose to trek to the top on a 4 day excursion known as the ‘inca trail’ or you can take the easier option which involves a train journey and then a less intensive walk to Machu Picchu. Either way you still get to experience the beautiful landscapes.
See Angkor Wat in Cambodia
This is another experience I missed out on because of covid as I had to cut my trip short, but I am determined to make it happen in the next 5 years! Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia and is considered the largest religious monument in the world. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and apparently the best way to see the temple is with a sunrise tour in the morning.
Relax in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a popular geothermal spa known for its milky blue waters and natural beauty. The lagoon can be visited year-round, but the weather and crowd levels vary throughout the seasons. The summer months of June, July, and August offer longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, making it a popular time to visit. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so the Blue Lagoon can be quite crowded.
If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind colder temperatures, visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October) can be a good option. The weather is still relatively mild, and you may have a more peaceful and relaxed experience.
I don’t do very well in the cold so even though going at Christmas would probably be beautiful, I don’t think I’d find it a particularly fun experience!
Have a true American road trip
The first stage to ticking this off my bucket list, is getting my drivers licence! If not, I can always rely on my boyfriend whilst I’ll be in charge of snacks and the aux cable. When I was a teenager I was always fascinated with America (probably because of the movies I grew up watching) and wanted to experience places like Las Vegas, Nashville, Chicago and of course California. I was lucky enough to spend 5 months living in Orlando when I was a student and managed to visit Miami and New York in my time there. Hopefully I can explore more states in the near future.
