What’s the ONE wild, awe-inspiring journey you HAVE to expertise earlier than you die?
We requested outside lovers, thrill seekers, and globe-trotting dreamers to share the epic journeys that high their private bucket lists—and the deeper explanation why.
From racing throughout the Bonneville Salt Flats to locking eyes with a silverback gorilla in Rwanda, these aren’t simply adrenaline kicks—they’re the tales that stick, the moments that mark you.
Whether or not you’re planning your subsequent journey or simply daydreaming along with your morning espresso, these 16 outside adventures could have you asking: What’s my once-in-a-lifetime quest?
Take a Safari Tour in South Africa
My high bucket listing outside journey could be to take a safari tour by means of the well-known Kruger Nationwide Park in South Africa.
With the ability to see lions, cheetahs, and different African wildlife up shut could be unimaginable. I can solely think about what sort of humbling feeling this should give.
And it’s not solely the animals; the start of life on Earth stems from this area of the world. How unimaginable would it not be to go there and expertise that?
That’s one thing you’ll not discover wherever else.
Chris Oberman, Blogger, Transferring Jack
Expertise Automobile Racing at Bonneville Salt Flats
I’d like to expertise automobile racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah!
Driving throughout a mattress of salt the place the sky and the Earth meet on the horizon whereas breaking pace information looks like such an exhilarating expertise!
Religion Czarnecki, Journey Advisor, Travelista Travels
Hike the Dolomites in Northern Italy
My high bucket listing journey consists of climbing the Dolomites, situated in Northern Italy.
Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of visiting the mountain vary that mixes sharp peaks with serene meadows to witness its rugged magnificence myself.
The foremost attraction of this journey lies in its alternative to disconnect from routine life whereas spending a number of days totally engaged with nature.
A bunch of hikers shared their emotions of accomplishment from ending the path and rediscovering themselves inside a rare panorama.
The mix of breathtaking surroundings with genuine villages creates the proper journey vacation spot.
Nothing compares to savoring Italian delicacies as a pleasant reward after finishing a prolonged hike.
Renato Fernandes, Scientific Nutritionist, Saude Pulso
White Water Rafting the Grand Canyon
White water rafting the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River has been on my bucket listing for a very long time, and I’m excited to attempt it.
The considered paddling by means of highly effective rapids whereas surrounded by the superb canyons of feels like an unimaginable journey.
I’ve heard that the combination of peaceable waters and intense drops makes the journey thrilling and unforgettable.
Tenting by the river and having fun with the gorgeous desert views would make the expertise even higher.
Someday, I’m going to make it occur and really feel the joys of the Colorado River for myself.
Evan McCarthy, President and CEO, SportingSmiles
Trek the Kokoda Monitor in Papua New Guinea
If I might select one outside journey earlier than I go away, I must say trekking the Kokoda Monitor in Papua New Guinea.
I’ve heard tales of its difficult terrain, the dense jungle, and the unimaginable historical past behind it.
I imagine it will be an incredible expertise to push myself bodily and mentally, whereas additionally paying respects to the courageous troopers who fought there throughout World Conflict II.
However I’m not getting any youthful. If I don’t do it quickly, life would possibly get in the best way.
I’m not simply searching for a thrill—I’m searching for perspective.
After years of illuminating automobile parks and warehouses, I need to expertise what it’s wish to stroll at nighttime, each actually and metaphorically.
Matt Little, Proprietor & Managing Director, Festoon Home
Hike Pico de Orizaba in Mexico
As somebody who has chased a number of the most breathtaking pure landscapes on the earth, one expertise that I’ve at all times dreamed of attaining is climbing Pico de Orizaba in Mexico, the nation’s highest level.
It might be about testing one’s particular person limits whereas taking within the surroundings.
The thrice-difficult hike to the highest, by means of a panorama surrounding the snowy cliffs, is extraordinarily difficult. However as an Aries, I like massive challenges and excessive adventures.
Someplace in between awe and a deep sense of accomplishment is the place you end up standing atop the snow-covered slopes, feeling the expansive horizon in entrance of you.
There are lots of adventures that I need to have, but when I might examine one off the listing, it will be Pico de Orizaba.
It’s not merely a bodily journey, however an emotional one—a reminder of the unimaginable issues nature gives.
Mariana Montes, Native Tour Information and Journey Author, Vibe Adventures
Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol
I cannot permit myself to die with out swimming with whale sharks in Donsol, Philippines.
There’s no means I’m leaving this planet with out that have.
I’ve considered it for years. The thought of being within the open ocean, face-to-face with one thing that huge and historic, slows all the things down in one of the best ways.
My work is continuous, stuffed with deadlines and shifting targets. I want a minimum of one second in my life the place I’m surrounded by one thing that doesn’t care about any of that, one thing that simply strikes by means of the water by itself phrases.
Spencer Romenco, Chief Development Strategist, Development Spurt
Sea Kayak By means of Channel Islands
My final bucket listing journey must be sea kayaking by means of the Channel Islands Nationwide Park off California’s coast, tenting on every of the 5 islands whereas monitoring the seasonal blue whale migration.
This dream crystallized for me again in 2012 once I was coordinating a luxurious yacht constitution close to Santa Cruz Island and noticed an enormous blue whale breaching—fully remodeling my understanding of those islands from fairly coastal views to a rare wilderness gateway that almost all Californians by no means expertise regardless of being in our yard.
What makes this journey so compelling is the exceptional biodiversity mixed with the bodily problem—navigating generally treacherous ocean currents between islands, sleeping on distant seashores the place island foxes would possibly go to your campsite, and experiencing the joys of paddling alongside the most important creatures on Earth.
I’ve been systematically constructing the abilities wanted—taking progressively tougher kayaking journeys alongside the Mendocino coast, studying navigation methods,and learning marine wildlife patterns—as a result of the perfect adventures aren’t simply checked off an inventory however actually skilled by means of preparation and presence.
Keep in mind that “the wilderness asks you to return as you might be however depart higher than you arrived”—one thing I’ve discovered true whether or not planning adventures for shoppers or dreaming of my very own epic multi-island kayaking journey by means of this extraordinary marine sanctuary.
Joe Hawtin, Proprietor, Marin County Customer
Go to Antarctica’s Icy Wilderness
One outside journey I’d like to take earlier than I die is visiting Antarctica.
Exploring that untouched, icy wilderness feels like a dream come true.
Simply image it: stepping onto the large, frozen panorama, surrounded by huge glaciers and colonies of penguins, with seals lounging on drifting icebergs.
I can think about kayaking by means of these icy waters, getting up near the unimaginable blue colours of the glaciers, and taking a polar plunge into the freezing sea.
I can deal with the chilly and ice, however oh my goodness—the price!
Between expedition cruises, gear, and journey logistics, it’s an journey that requires severe planning (and financial savings), however the likelihood to see one of many final actually wild locations on Earth could be price each penny.
Naima Ch, Advertising Head and search engine marketing Specialist, Morse Code Translator
Sail Round Pacific Islands
Having had many adventures all around the world, I preserve pondering of increasingly experiences to have.
Among the ones which can be nonetheless excessive on my listing are:
- Crusing across the Pacific islands: paradisiacal landscapes, cultural immersions, starry nights, and full disconnection.
- Going to the North Pole and seeing polar bears earlier than all of it melts.
- Mountain climbing the GR20 in Corsica: it’s thought of probably the most difficult hikes in Europe, and I like a superb problem.
- Tenting beneath the celebs whereas climbing the Jordan Path: an remoted path with the inner awakening and journey that comes from a multi-day hike.
Juan Castells, Journey Blogger, Planet of Adventures
Embark on an Arctic Expedition
My final bucket listing journey is to embark on an Arctic expedition aboard a solar-powered icebreaker, navigating by means of the frozen wilderness to witness the Aurora Borealis firsthand.
This dream has been on my thoughts since listening to a firsthand account from an environmental scientist who spent months within the Arctic learning ice patterns.
He described the eerie silence of the frozen panorama, the sheer scale of towering glaciers, and the surreal great thing about the Northern Lights shimmering throughout the sky. The best way he spoke about it made me understand this isn’t only a journey—it’s an expertise that adjustments your perspective on nature, exploration, and even the way forward for our planet.
However for me, this journey wouldn’t simply be about seeing the aurora; it will be about mixing journey with scientific exploration.
This Arctic journey could be the last word fusion of journey, sustainability, and scientific curiosity—and if I get the possibility to do it, I’ll be bringing again extra than simply recollections.
Murray Seaton, Founder and CEO / Well being & Health Entrepreneur, Hypervibe
Trek with Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
The one outside journey I completely should expertise earlier than I die is trekking with mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
There are solely round 1,000 mountain gorillas left within the wild, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes Nationwide Park is certainly one of simply three locations on Earth the place you’ll be able to see them.
Every day, solely about 96 individuals are allowed to trek—eight guests per gorilla household, strictly for one hour. That’s it!
This stage of safety is not any accident; skilled native guides and trackers begin early, following clues like nests and dung to find the teams, then radio again to coordinate the trekkers.
By the point you set off, the gorillas have been discovered, and the actual journey begins.
You hike by means of lush, misty rainforest on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, typically at excessive altitudes.
It’s bodily demanding—however while you lastly lock eyes with a wild silverback, time stops. It’s silent, highly effective, and deeply human.
You watch younger gorillas play, moms groom their infants, and the dominant male survey his kingdom.
It feels much less like wildlife watching, and extra like being let into an historic, sacred world. And simply while you assume that you’re a minimum of 20 toes away from them, a big silverback brushes previous you, generally planting their knuckle in your toes.
Sanjay Nair, Founder, Safari Lab
Climb Mount Everest
I’ve at all times been fascinated by the concept of climbing Mount Everest.
It’s not solely one of many biggest outside adventures but in addition an emblem of perseverance and dedication.
Standing at 8,848 meters above sea stage, it’s the tallest mountain on the earth and attracts hundreds of climbers yearly.
For me personally, reaching the summit of Mount Everest could be the last word achievement.
It might require months of bodily coaching and psychological preparation to tackle such an excessive problem.
However the reward could be priceless—standing on high of the world with breathtaking views and a way of accomplishment like no different.
However it’s not nearly reaching the summit. The journey to get there’s simply as essential. Climbing Mount Everest requires dedication, teamwork, and resilience. It’s a take a look at of bodily and psychological power, pushing one’s limits and overcoming obstacles.
Ryan Nelson, Founder, PropertyBuild
Trip a Bike Throughout Pamir Freeway
I’d like to experience a motorbike throughout the Pamir Freeway earlier than I die. I don’t imply a type of quick vacationer routes.
I imply beginning in Kyrgyzstan and taking it throughout Tajikistan, winding by means of the Wakhan Valley, and pushing by means of these brutal mountain passes the place the roads crumble and the air will get skinny.
That stretch is among the most distant and unforgiving on earth, and that’s precisely why I have to do it.
There’s one thing about being on two wheels, uncovered to the weather, staring down cliffs with no guardrails, and realizing that each flip calls for full consideration.
I’ve watched movies of riders crossing rivers on nothing however a plank, mud clouds rolling behind them, snow within the distance, and villages that haven’t modified in generations. I need that.
I need the discomfort. I need the silence. I need to search for and never see a single billboard or site visitors mild or cell tower.
Simply me, the highway, and no matter comes subsequent. If I don’t experience the Pamir earlier than I’m accomplished, I’ll by no means cease desirous about it. That one’s not only a journey. It’s a necessity.
Johannes Hock, President, Synthetic Grass Execs
Hike Torres del Paine Circuit
Mountain climbing the Torres del Paine Circuit in Chile has been on the high of my listing for years, and I’m determined to make it occur.
There’s one particular cause it pulls at me: the sheer isolation.
I spend my days deep in planning, logistics, and decision-making. I’m surrounded by know-how, calls, and urgency. The thought of getting into a spot the place all the things quiets down and the one factor I want to consider is the following step on a path looks like precisely what I want.
Torres del Paine is gorgeous and distant, which forces you to disconnect. No inbox. No conferences. Only a bodily problem paired with probably the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.
A reset like that doesn’t occur on a weekend getaway. It comes from placing within the miles, coping with the climate, and watching these granite towers rise in entrance of you with nothing in the best way. I don’t need to preserve placing it off. That hike is one thing I need to earn whereas I nonetheless can.
Kyle Sobko, Chief Government Officer, SonderCare
Camp on North Stradbroke Island
As somebody who has carved out a profession in creating memorable journey experiences, my bucket listing journey could be a multi-day tenting journey on North Stradbroke Island, often called Straddie.
With its beautiful seashores, wealthy Aboriginal tradition, and various wildlife, it affords an immersive approach to reconnect with nature.
On Straddie, guests can take pleasure in all the things from watching koalas and kangaroos to participating with the native Aboriginal neighborhood on cultural walks. I’ve at all times been fascinated by the island’s mix of leisure and journey.
Given my background in hospitality and private dedication to buyer expertise, I see this journey as a approach to additional deepen my appreciation for what’s attainable when nature meets service. It’s about experiencing the world by means of totally different lenses.
Cam Storey, Proprietor, Brisbane 360
Your story is ready.
The world is vast and wild and stuffed with moments that may shake one thing unfastened in your soul.
Whether or not it’s standing beneath a sky stuffed with stars within the Sahara or feeling the thunder of waterfalls in Iceland, the appropriate journey doesn’t simply present you new locations—it reveals you new components of your self.
So don’t simply dream about it. Guide the journey. Pack the bag. Say sure.
As a result of the perfect tales are those you really reside.
