What’s on your Bucket List?
We have become very familiar with expiration dates that appear on medicines or food items; however we do not generally believe there is an expiration date on doing the things we want in life. If you are older than 18, anything that involves wheelies, jumping off ramps, or a special slot in the X Games is probably is not still a “must do”.
“The Bucket List”, a film staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, generated a lot of talk and it seems there are now people feverishly compiling a list of their top travel destinations to visit before they are unable to enjoy the experience.
Not only should destinations be on your travel Bucket List, but also life experiences. I am always enriched when I have the opportunity to travel and to learn about another culture. While we all have the same basic desires, a safe place to live, good health and sufficient food, it takes a different form in many places in the world.
I highly recommend you create your own “Bucket List”, prioritize your list and put your energy towards fulfilling those dreams. To follow are a number of ideas for your consideration providing physical challenges as well as spiritual and experiential opportunities.
I encourage you to witness the aurora borealis with your own eyes, no words or pictures capture the night sky’s dancing with iridescent colors. The best location to appreciate this phenomenon is near the magnetic poles in spots like Fairbanks, Alaska; Yellowstone in Canada’s Arctic Circle; the southern tip of Greenland; and northern Norway.
Escape the Urban Jungle by taking an African safari that is sure to provide you an enormous dose of reality. Traveling by land rover with camera in hand, traversing the Masi Mara in search of “The Big Five” is sure to be one of the more memorable experiences you’ll ever have. Seeing the animals in their natural habitat is amazing. The people of Kenya and Tanzania are happy, welcoming and always anxious to show off their handiwork and traditional dances. No experience is comparable to the sound of hippos as they frolic and bathe in the water while you awake from a great nights sleep in a tented camp! This continues to be my favorite travel experience.
Consider strapping on a scuba tank, or just a snorkel, to experience the aquatic life. There is an exciting beautiful world underwater to be discovered in many places in the world. I can highly recommend in the island of Bonaire. It boasts pristine coral formations and perhaps the most varied fish population in the Caribbean. Travel further south to the Galapagos Islands where unlike most popular diving destinations, reefs are not the primary attraction. Instead, areas like Darwin and Wolf Islands are home to several different species of sharks, including Hammerheads, Galapagos, and Whale sharks. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is undoubtedly on everyone’s “Must Dive” list. There are several shallow reefs that are perfect for beginners, walls and drop-offs that are ideal for more advanced and adventurous divers, and something for everyone in between, including a numerous variety of areas for shore dives and wrecks as well.
Don your dancing shoes when visiting Buenos Aires which is synonymous with the tango. Born in brothels during the late 19th century, the signature dance is still performed in parks, on street corners and, of course, in neighborhood dance halls that dot the city. You must arrive “early” to partake in tango lessons prior to the kick off of dancing at 11pm which continues until dawn.
Enjoy a cycling experience through Provence, France with a promise of sunflowers, olive groves, wineries and bouillabaisse. It's the world's most rewarding region to bike through, thanks to rolling hills followed by languorous meals and sumptuous hotels.
Should you aspire to mountain trek, why not look for a trek that's more spiritual and less goal-oriented? Bhutan is hidden among 22,000-foot peaks of the Great Himalaya Range, and the Buddhist kingdom bewitches hikers for its mix of hard-core terrain, beautiful scenery, and cultural gifts.
My Bucket List includes Antarctica! Here you will focus on peeping at penguin colonies, iceberg-clogged coves, and frozen islands. Imagine the constant groan and splash of glaciers and the feel of the southernmost earth beneath your feet as you disembark a ship to explore dormant volcanoes. While the seas may be a bit treturious, the scenery is guaranteed to be amazing.
Get off the tread mill and experience Machu Picchu. It took the American historian Hiram Bingham years to discover the lost Incan city of Mahu Piichu, but now runners can dash up to the sacred archaeological sight in just a couple of days. If running up is not your preference, there are other sightseeing options for experiencing this amazing inspirational location that are just as fulfilling. However, you must be able to walk uneven surfaces and tolerate altitude. It is definitely a destination not to be missed.
While the destinations listed above involve international travel, do not discount the wonderful sights to experience in the U.S.
As a native Californian I just recently visited Hearst Castle located along the Central California coast. Sedona New Mexico provides an amazing cultural experience while a haven for artists and food lovers and the Opera.
The Grand Canyon is not only fabulous destination for the active person, but a spiritual experience and scenic location for all those who appreciate nature. Or consider going to the Kentucky Derby or Belmont Stakes or the Indianapolis 500!
If you have never seen the Fall colors in New Hampshire and Vermont, be certain to add these to your list. And don’t forget the colorful cities of Savannah and Charleston, rich in history and fabulous gardens.
I encourage everyone to be certain to fulfill at least most of the “want to’s” on your Bucket List, you will be glad you did!
