Certain travel destinations are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. These experiences and destinations will rock you at your core and completely change how you see the world.
Here are 10 bucket list travel destinations for the trip of a lifetime, sure to inspire, stimulate, and rouse our mind, body, and soul.
Safari in South Africa
There is nothing more thrilling in life than seeing animals in the wild. Picture waking up before dawn, hopping in a safari truck, and driving through the wild, in search of the big five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Sitting next to these animals is a life-changing, mind-altering experience.
“We recommend visiting Kruger National Park in South Africa, where there are no fences on the reserve and animals can run free,” said world travelers Scott and Collette Stohler of Roamaroo.com. “Watching animals in their natural habitat is an experience that is completely unrivaled. This trip appeals to everyone — young and old, couples and singles, and especially families.”
Swim in Devil's Pool.
Just as the name implies, the Devil’s Pool in Zambia is a place that feels a little bit dangerous. You’ll need to hire a guide and swim across the Zambezi River to Livingstone Island. There, you can peak your head out over the grandeur of Victoria Falls from 108 meters up.
The nature-made pool is the best viewing spot for these gigantic waterfalls and a major adrenaline rush.
Go Back in Time in Istanbul.
As Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “If the world were one country, then Istanbul would be its capital.”
A multi-layered and multifaceted city, to travel to Istanbul is to travel into worlds past. Perfect for history buffs, feast your eyes on great sights such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. They’re all exquisite works of architecture, some dating back thousands of years.
“We recommend staying in the Old City so that you can fully immerse yourself in the history of Istanbul,” said the Stohlers.
Sail the Croatian Islands on Yacht Week.
Imagine sailing the azure Adriatic Sea with a handful of your best friends. Then throw in 50 other sailboats right next to you, ready to pull into any party cove, tie up, and enjoy dance parties in the waters of Croatia.
You have officially entered Yacht Week, a place that is “nothing like the real world.”
Your days consist of sailing from island to island, imbibing on delicious cocktails, and dancing the night away at Yacht Week-sponsored parties. Yacht Week is the perfect place to meet friends from all over the world who converge in Croatia for fun and sun.
Golf in Scotland.
What better destination for bucket list golf trips than the sport’s birthplace? Narrowing down where to golf in Scotland is a tough decision, but if you can only pick one, make it St. Andrews.
Start with the Old Course. Even if you don’t get to swing the clubs here, at the very least, you should take one of the guided walking tours.
Don’t overlook the New Course at St. Andrews (although at 130 years old, “new” seems a bit of a stretch). Some say it’s actually more challenging than the Old Course (which, since now you’re thinking about it, is almost 500 years old).
Stay in an Overwater Bungalow.
This is one of the best bucket list trips for couples. Imagine waking up over crystal clear waters, the sun shining in through your canopy bed, beckoning you to go outside and enjoy the splendors of nature.
Staying in an overwater bungalow is an absolute must-experience trip. These bungalows are built on stilts overlooking an alluring azure ocean, plunging you into paradise. They're the perfect place to completely unplug and surf into serenity.
Overwater bungalows can be found in the Maldives, the South Pacific, as well as Southeast Asia.
Own an Elephant in Thailand.
Drive just two hours outside of Chiang Mai, and you’ll find yourself in a jungle filled with majestic monolithic elephants that are yours to look after for the day.
Your day at Patara Elephant Farm begins by meeting your elephant and getting to know one another. First, you feed the elephant, gaining its love through a feast of bananas and sugar cane.
Next, it's time to take a dip in the water with your new playful friend. As you pour water on your elephant and wash it, you create an unspoken bond of trust and love. After you’ve fed and cleaned your elephant, it’s time to ride it bareback.
While these colossus creatures may look intimidating, they are sensitive, gentle giants, ready to touch your soul in a way you didn’t know imaginable.
“Not only is this an incredible physical experience, but it taps into an emotional, introspective part of the mind and body that you may not have known existed,” said the Stohlers. “You leave Patara Elephant Farm not only with a new friend, but with a new outlook on life.”
Soak at an Onsen Ryokan in Japan.
An onsen ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn (ryokan) with natural hot spring baths (onsen). Although they can be found throughout the country, we think the ultimate bucket list trip to an onsen should be away from the cities where you can relax in a remote forest, surrounded — and submerged — in nature.
Many locals soak in the nude in gender-separated baths, but if that bothers you, reservations for private baths can often be made. This is also a good option if you’re traveling to Japan with kids or if it’s a bucket list trip for couples and you want to soak with your partner.
Take a Coast-to-Coast Canadian Train Ride.
The U.S. likes to brag about the variety you find driving coast to coast. But Canada says, “Hold my Molsen.”
With a trans-Canadian rail trip, you’ll spend two to three weeks traveling from Halifax in the east to Vancouver in the west. In between are stops at Niagara Falls, Montreal, Toronto, Banff, and other picturesque sites and metropolitan hotspots.
You won’t spend the entire time on a train. Most rail lines schedule one or two nights at major cities so you can explore and experience the local atmosphere before reboarding and heading to the next destination.
If you’re looking for a Canadian culture sampler (and can afford it), this is a great way to travel.
Wear a Fancy Hat at the Kentucky Derby.
It’s one of the oldest horse races in the U.S. and certainly one steeped in the richest traditions. The Kentucky Derby celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2024.
Whether you’re the betting kind of not, you can still join in the festivities with a May trip to Louisville, Kentucky. Women wear hats that are sometimes absurd but always extravagant and an iconic part of the race. Boozy mint juleps are a must-try, too.
Derby Week is the perfect bucket list trip for anyone looking for the thrill of the race or a good party.
Travel Insurance for Bucket List Travel
You invest a lot in bucket list trips. Make sure you protect your investment with travel insurance. Seven Corners has plans that fit the needs of most travelers, whether you’re exploring in your own country or heading overseas for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Find the best coverage for your trip, whether it’s trip protection, travel medical insurance, or both, at SevenCorners.com or talk to a licensed agent.
About the Authors
Scott and Collette Stohler from Roamaroo.com shared their travel bucket list ideas for this article. The couple gave up the day-to-day grind several years ago and now live the digital nomad life. Seven Corners’ Becky Hart also contributed.
