We only have one life on earth, so why not make the most of it? These activities range from heart racing thrills to beautiful ancient sites. This list contains 30 exciting things that you must add to your bucketlist, such as flying a plane or bathing an elephant.
1. Ha Giang Loop
This scenic route goes through curvy mountain passes, down into local villages and valleys, and to the border of China. You will see waterfalls, rice paddy terraces, buffalo, and priceless scenery around every corner. I felt like I was in a movie. I highly recommend driving yourself but be warned it is quite risky. You must watch for large trucks coming around blind curves and take all loops slow because there is usually no guard rail to stop you from going over the mountain. If you are apprehensive with this much adventure, hire an easy rider and just soak in the views.
2. Fly a Stunt Plane
This activity is for true adrenaline junkies. You are placed in the front of a fighter jet strapped in with a parachute in case anything goes wrong. Then you take off on a small runway and you’re whisked into the sky. Up there your copilot will show you stunt maneuvers such as barrel rolls, upright and inverted spins, hammerhead and tail slides. These moves can consist of flying upside down, flipping, and spinning speedily. Then you will also be offered the g force experience. This is my all-time favorite activity.
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3. Do a Bush Walk
If you want to feel fully immersed in the Savannah, you must do a bush walk. The feeling you will get is exhilarating. My guide stated that he has 4 golden rules for us to make this journey as safe as possible. The one that stuck with me the most is not to run, even if a lion or elephant was to charge you. On my walk he showed us this beautiful female spider called Nephila, which weaves strong, gorgeous golden webs. He also showed us various plants in the area, and we came across a male elephant. We had to be wary around him since this was mating season and he was alone. Our guide tested the wind to make sure we would be safe while we snuck closer to him.
4. Fire Dancing
I learned this skill from a trained professional in Hawaii. We were to put on two performances after our training session. The main key was to keep the fire moving. Never hold it in one place for too long. I may have threatened my newfound partner to make sure he did not accidentally touch me with the fire during our routine.
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5. Corcovado Island
This is a must for wildlife and nature buffs. National Geographic has named it,” The Most Biologically Intense Place on Earth in Terms of Biodiversity.” I must say that I agree with them. You take a 2-hour boat ride to reach it. The first hour is speeding through the mangroves and rivers and the second hour is spent hopping over waves. As soon as we made it upon shore, we spotted the first animals which were wild boars eating fruits. However, the more we continued to go deeper into the forest, the more animals we came across. We spotted tapirs, anoles, monkeys, and a wide range of birds. You may also see an anteater or a crocodile around.
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6. Spelunk in the ATM Caves
If you want to feel like Indiana Jones, this is perfect. You wade through 3 rivers, cross a jungle, and swim inside a massive cave. Once inside the cave you climb over large boulders, squeeze your way through tiny crevices in the dark with just your headlamp, and slide down mini waterfalls. You will see Mayan femur bones, skulls, and a whole skeleton named ” The Crystal Maiden.” These were people that were offered up to their Gods in prayer. You are not allowed to take photos in there because a tourist dropped their phone on one of the skulls inside.
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7. Ice Caves/ Snorkel Between Tectonic Plates
The ice caves are intricate and took over hundreds of years to form. Exploring them are unlike anything in this world. You should also do the Golden Circle and stop at Thingvellir National Park to snorkel in the clear water between the plates of Eurasia and North America.
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8. Wadi Rum
Truly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Stay the night with the Bedouins and enjoy a Zarb feast under the stars and the next morning wake up to see the sun rising on the bright red sands. Ride through the desert and see ancient petroglyphs and soak in all of the views. You may think you are walking on Mars.
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9. Explore Ancient Underground Cities and Ride a Hot Air Balloon
In Cappadocia you will find unique fairy chimney landscapes, an underground city, and many beautiful monasteries built into the side of mountains. A hot air balloon ride over the incredible formations is a must. The Denrinkyu Underground City has several levels that you can discover and a history that is centuries old. Selime Monastery is the largest in Cappadocia and you can view the kitchen, winery, church, and more. Ihlara Valley has restaurants near a beautiful river and a ton of monasteries to hike as well.
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10. Wrestle a Sumo
Learn this wrestling form and then try it out on an old pro. It’s a fun and unique way to dive into Japanese culture.
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11. Zorbing
Jump inside a gigantic orb and roll down a huge hill. The premise sounds simple, but surprisingly it’s so fun. You have the option to put water inside of the ball which I highly recommend. There is only one place that you are able to do this in the United States which is located in Pigeon Forge, Tn, but this is a popular attraction if you are heading to New Zealand.
12. Elephant Sanctuary
Share a fun filled ethical day with elephants. Bond with them while you bathe and feed them their favorite treats. There is not a feeling that will compare to the beautiful friendship you share with these large, majestic creatures.
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13. Hike a Volcano
Traverse the steep incline of a volcano and enjoy the beautiful views at the top. Bonus points if it is active. I roasted marshmallows on the top of Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala, but hiking neighboring Volcano Acatenango has an even better reward. You are able to spend the night at the top and watch Volcano Fuego erupt all night across from you.
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14. Swim with Sharks, Manatees, or Seals
Take a dive into the ocean and watch any animal of your choosing. My favorite was the seals for the playful performance they put on. Manatees are more relaxed to swim next too so that makes them easier to observe, and sharks are commonly misrepresented in the media, so go form your own opinion when you go and swim near them.
15. Go Dog Sledding
One of the cutest winter activities possible. Introduce yourself to the pack and watch the dogs get excited to run in the snow.
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16. Jump into an Amazon Rainforest Waterfall
Take a hike into the rainforest and spot as much flora and fauna as possible while you hike to a gorgeous waterfall that you can cool off in.
17. Jet Boating
A high-speed boat ride that will make you twist and turn in your seat while loud music is blaring to drown out all the giggles you will have.
18. Visit a Bio Bay
Make sure to go on a moonless night and watch the water light up when you touch it with a beautiful, blue bioluminescence. I enjoyed kayaking on the water.
19. Luxor
Visit the Valley of the Kings and try to decipher as many hieroglyphics as you can. Head to one of the largest ancient temple complexes in the world and feel so significantly small compared to the gigantic columns. See Queen Hatshepsut’s temple and learn the history of how her successor tried to erase her part of history.
20. White Water Rafting
Get ready to paddle your heart out and remain in the raft as you crash into crazy currents and avoid being flipped. You must work as a team for the best results and if you do fall out never place your feet down because you may become stuck and drown. This activity is found all over and will get your blood pumping.
21. Cooking Class in Italy
Learn how to make a 4-course meal from scratch including pasta while enjoying some of the best wine and views in Florence.
22. Samurai Experience
Educate yourself about the sword techniques of the ancient samurai. Learn about their defensive mechanisms, how their swords changed throughout the years, and cut some tatami mats to test your skills.
23. Visit the Giants Causeway
The legend catches my imagination when I think of this place. It is said that the unique rock formations were created by 2 giants battling. The scientific fact is that these formations were created by a volcanic eruption many years prior. Either way the hike to the causeway is beautiful and unique.
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24. Cliff jumping
It feels liberating to just free fall and trust that everything is going to be okay. The adrenaline that this activity provides is just something else. Please be careful by making sure there is no hidden rocks or trees for you to land on and that the water is deep enough. Also have the correct formation. Fall pencil straight. I accidentally hit the water wrong once and was bruised for a few weeks afterwards.
25. Cave Tubing
Relax on your tube while you float through the underworld. You can hear the bats above you and if you feel water dripping from the cave know that it signifies good luck. This activity is best enjoyed in Belize where you can also explore the caves to find Mayan pottery.
26. See the Northern Lights
Watch nature’s most magical performance. This memory will be burned into your mind forever. Seeing the lights come out and dance in the sky in shades of green and sometimes red is a once in a lifetime experience.
27. Float in the Dead Sea
The salt content will instantly make you float once you hit the turquoise water. You can also have the opportunity to put a mud mask all over your body to reap more health benefits from your soak.
28. Sandboard
Similar to snowboarding, grab you a board and balance yourself while you speed down the large dunes.
29. Whale Watch
Depending on where you go and what time of year it is, you can see a variety of whales such as humpback, beluga, finback, and more. Watch their tail flukes when they go down into the water and spot them blowing water up.
30. See the Pyramids
The most speculated structures in the world is a sight to behold. Whether it’s the pyramids of Giza or the Mayan pyramids in Tikal, these structures hold many mysteries. Are they connected to each other? If they are, how so? You can have the opportunity to climb inside one in Egypt and you can climb atop the ones in Tikal to see the magnificent views of the forest and wonder how this city once looked.
I hope you were able to pull some inspiration for your bucketlist from my ideas. Now get out there and enjoy life a little.