What’s the ONE wild, awe-inspiring journey you HAVE to expertise earlier than you die?
We requested out of doors lovers, thrill seekers, and globe-trotting dreamers to share the epic journeys that high their private bucket lists—and the deeper the reason 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 together with your morning espresso, these 16 out of doors adventures can have you asking: What’s my once-in-a-lifetime quest?
Take a Safari Tour in South Africa
My high bucket listing out of doors journey could be to take a safari tour by 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 anyplace else.
Chris Oberman, Blogger, Transferring Jack
Expertise Automotive 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 data looks as if such an exhilarating expertise!
Religion Czarnecki, Journey Advisor, Travelista Travels
Hike the Dolomites in Northern Italy
My high bucket listing journey contains mountaineering the Dolomites, positioned 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 key enchantment of this journey lies in its alternative to disconnect from routine life whereas spending a number of days absolutely engaged with nature.
A gaggle of hikers shared their emotions of accomplishment from ending the path and rediscovering themselves inside a unprecedented 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, Medical 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 strive it.
The considered paddling by highly effective rapids whereas surrounded by the wonderful canyons of seems like an unimaginable journey.
I’ve heard that the combo 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.
In the future, 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 may select one out of doors 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 Struggle II.
However I’m not getting any youthful. If I don’t do it quickly, life may get in the way in which.
I’m not simply in search of a thrill—I’m in search of perspective.
After years of illuminating automobile parks and warehouses, I wish to expertise what it’s prefer to stroll at the hours of darkness, 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 planet, one expertise that I’ve at all times dreamed of attaining is mountaineering Pico de Orizaba in Mexico, the nation’s highest level.
It will be about testing one’s particular person limits whereas taking within the surroundings.
The thrice-difficult hike to the highest, by a panorama surrounding the snowy cliffs, is extraordinarily difficult. However as an Aries, I really like huge 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 wish to have, but when I may test 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 can’t permit myself to die with out swimming with whale sharks in Donsol, Philippines.
There’s no manner 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 large and historic, slows every part down in one of the simplest ways.
My work is continuous, filled with deadlines and transferring targets. I would like not less than 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 the water by itself phrases.
Spencer Romenco, Chief Progress Strategist, Progress Spurt
Sea Kayak By way of Channel Islands
My final bucket listing journey needs to be sea kayaking by 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 unprecedented 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 may go to your campsite, and experiencing the joys of paddling alongside the biggest creatures on Earth.
I’ve been systematically constructing the talents wanted—taking progressively more difficult kayaking journeys alongside the Mendocino coast, studying navigation strategies,and learning marine wildlife patterns—as a result of the very best adventures aren’t simply checked off a listing however actually skilled by preparation and presence.
Do not forget that “the wilderness asks you to come back as you’re 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 this extraordinary marine sanctuary.
Joe Hawtin, Proprietor, Marin County Customer
Go to Antarctica’s Icy Wilderness
One out of doors journey I’d like to take earlier than I die is visiting Antarctica.
Exploring that untouched, icy wilderness seems like a dream come true.
Simply image it: stepping onto the large, frozen panorama, surrounded by large glaciers and colonies of penguins, with seals lounging on drifting icebergs.
I can think about kayaking by 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 critical planning (and financial savings), however the probability to see one of many final actually wild locations on Earth could be price each penny.
Naima Ch, Advertising and marketing Head and search engine optimisation Specialist, Morse Code Translator
Sail Round Pacific Islands
Having had many adventures everywhere in the world, I hold considering of increasingly more experiences to have.
Among the ones which might 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-about some of the difficult hikes in Europe, and I really like a superb problem.
- Tenting underneath the celebrities whereas mountaineering 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 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 fantastic thing about the Northern Lights shimmering throughout the sky. The best way he spoke about it made me notice this isn’t only a journey—it’s an expertise that modifications 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 out of doors 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 one in every of simply three locations on Earth the place you possibly can see them.
Every day, solely about 96 persons are allowed to trek—eight guests per gorilla household, strictly for one hour. That’s it!
This degree of safety is not any accident; knowledgeable 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 lush, misty rainforest on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, typically at excessive altitudes.
It’s bodily demanding—however if 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 if you assume that you’re not less than 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 thought of climbing Mount Everest.
It’s not solely one of many biggest out of doors adventures but in addition an emblem of perseverance and willpower.
Standing at 8,848 meters above sea degree, it’s the tallest mountain on the planet and attracts 1000’s of climbers yearly.
For me personally, reaching the summit of Mount Everest could be the last word achievement.
It will 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.
Nevertheless it’s not nearly reaching the summit. The journey to get there’s simply as vital. Climbing Mount Everest requires willpower, teamwork, and resilience. It’s a check of bodily and psychological energy, pushing one’s limits and overcoming obstacles.
Ryan Nelson, Founder, PropertyBuild
Experience a Bike Throughout Pamir Freeway
I’d like to journey a motorbike throughout the Pamir Freeway earlier than I die. I don’t imply a type of brief vacationer routes.
I imply beginning in Kyrgyzstan and taking it right through Tajikistan, winding by the Wakhan Valley, and pushing by these brutal mountain passes the place the roads crumble and the air will get skinny.
That stretch is likely one of 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 understanding 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 would like that.
I would like the discomfort. I would like the silence. I wish to lookup and never see a single billboard or visitors mild or cell tower.
Simply me, the highway, and no matter comes subsequent. If I don’t journey the Pamir earlier than I’m performed, I’ll by no means cease fascinated by it. That one’s not only a journey. It’s a necessity.
Johannes Hock, President, Synthetic Grass Professionals
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 purpose it pulls at me: the sheer isolation.
I spend my days deep in planning, logistics, and decision-making. I’m surrounded by expertise, calls, and urgency. The thought of moving into a spot the place every part quiets down and the one factor I would like to consider is the following step on a path seems like precisely what I would like.
Torres del Paine is gorgeous and distant, which forces you to disconnect. No inbox. No conferences. Only a bodily problem paired with some of the 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 way in which. I don’t wish to hold placing it off. That hike is one thing I wish to earn whereas I nonetheless can.
Kyle Sobko, Chief Govt 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 known as Straddie.
With its gorgeous seashores, wealthy Aboriginal tradition, and numerous wildlife, it gives an immersive technique to reconnect with nature.
On Straddie, guests can take pleasure in every part from watching koalas and kangaroos to partaking 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 technique to additional deepen my appreciation for what’s doable when nature meets service. It’s about experiencing the world by completely different lenses.
Cam Storey, Proprietor, Brisbane 360
Your story is ready.
The world is broad and wild and filled with moments that may shake one thing unfastened in your soul.
Whether or not it’s standing beneath a sky filled with stars within the Sahara or feeling the thunder of waterfalls in Iceland, the correct journey doesn’t simply present you new locations—it reveals you new elements of your self.
So don’t simply dream about it. Guide the journey. Pack the bag. Say sure.
As a result of the very best tales are those you really dwell.
