There are so many amazing things you can do with your life aside from staring out of the office window daydreaming about the open space and seeing yourself do what you’d love to do. If you’ve lived all your life with the hustle and bustle of the city and want something more refreshing, then it’s time to hit the road and experience the many wonders life has to offer.
Let’s face it. We all want to experience the magic of travel, get a ceaseless laugh from our adventures, and get into the hype of something new. The breathtaking scenes we imagine while looking far out into the neighboring building doesn’t have to be just as it is. Experiencing what the world has to offer can be fulfilling and rewarding. It refreshes your mind and gives you a better perspective about life.
So, when you find yourself staring out into the adjacent building’s wall thinking it’s a sandy beach or imagine a lush rainforest, then it is time to pack your bags and give yourself a break. Here are the top 20 great adventures everyone should include in their bucket list and at least try once in their life.
20 20. Tour the Fascinating Castles of Europe
If you have a penchant for Europe’s rich history, taking a tour to its glorious and impressive castles will leave you in awe. The breathtaking sceneries and the majestic palaces, chateaux, monasteries, and medieval towns should be in everyone’s bucket list of places to visit.
Several agencies offer major tours to sites in Germany, Munich, and the Bavarian regions. They include walks to its polished gardens, a visit to historic landmarks, and even hikes down the Castle Rivers.
A tour to the great palaces of Europe can be an exciting and educating experience. Witnessing the grandeur and richness of the European history has always captured the imagination of many.
19 19. Visit the National Museum of Egypt
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is located in Cairo and houses a rich collection of artifacts and mummies from the Ancient World. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit and learn about the early civilization of Egypt. While in the country, you can also visit some of the ancient sites including the Pyramids of Egypt and many other historical sites.
The thematic prehistoric and present-day collection of the National Museum takes you through different levels of Egypt’s history from the Archaic, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, and down to the contemporary artifact collection. They boast the most prolific historical archive everyone should put in their bucket lists.
18 18. Go on a 5-Day Trek to the 26- Mile Long Inca Trail in Peru
If you are looking for an exciting adventure, trekking the 26-mile mountainous Inca Trail of Peru can be a rewarding experience. Reaching the top will give you a glimpse of the Machu Picchu citadel. Located in the Andes Mountains, thrill seekers can take a five-day trek with amazing sceneries of the mountainside.
Backcountry trekkers also have an option for a more challenging climb offering unique challenges along the way. Reaching the lost city of Machu Picchu is rewarding as it gives you a glimpse of the glorious Inca tribe. Built in the 1450s by Emperor Pachicuti, Machu Picchu is believed to be either a country estate or a place of worship for the ancient civilization.
17 17. Camp Out Under the Aurora Borealis Light Show
The Northern Lights is one of the most fascinating natural phenomena everyone should witness at least once in their lives. It only happens in a number of countries as the charged solar particles collide with the Earth’s atmospheric gases. Only countries near the North Pole experience the shimmering curtain. Finland, Scandinavia, Scotland, Russia, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska get to experience the curtain of lights once in a while.
The colors of Aurora have long since fascinated mankind. The Inuit people believed it was the souls of their ancestors while the Norse considered it as a bridge built by their gods. Science though has long concluded how it happens and is something every American should witness at least once.
16 16. Spend the Night Out Sleeping in an Alaskan Igloo
The city of Quebec is just a few hours’ drive north of New York. A few more drives up and you’ll find yourself in a complex of carved igloos. If you want to experience something different, sleeping in one of these traditional Inuit houses can be a surreal experience.
Sleeping bags make it possible to stay warm inside and only a layer of clothing needs to be worn to prevent perspiration. The Inuit elders have a way of building an igloo that makes it habitable during cold winters. A flicker from seal-blubber oil and caribou stew makes the atmosphere really authentic.
15 15. Get An Up-Close Experience With The Cascades Of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most visited tourist destinations between the US and Canadian border. You wouldn’t want to pass this off your bucket list of places to visit. An estimated four million cubic feet of water cascades down a 173 ft drop of water and visitors can go close to the falls with a tour boat.
Tour boats usually last for about four hours with a scenic trip at the base of the falls for an enjoyable must-see experience. The Niagara Falls tour is an excellent adventure for those who dream of witnessing the mesmerizing sight of a cascading waterfall and get drenched in the water mist
14 14. African Safari Adventure
The African continent is home to some of the most adorable and ferocious animals we know today. Taking a tour on a Safari adventure will help you enjoy the beauty of nature and appreciate the animals in their natural habitats. The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana, and Kruger National Park in South Africa are some of the most visited sites in the continent.
An African Safari adventure gives you a glimpse of how wild animals live in their natural environment. The wild, rugged, and untamed mystique of every encounter makes it a desired adventure getaway for any thrill-seeker.
13 13. Trek The Expanse of the Great Wall of China
Millions of people visit the Great Wall of China each year and you wouldn’t want to leave this out of the places you’d want to visit. Several tour packages give you a chance to explore the vast length of the Great Wall extending for up to 12 days in some instances. A tower to tower walk lets you experience the grandeur of this ancient architecture.
Spanning over a millennium, the Great Wall of China was initiated by the Duke of Chu State during 770-221 BC to prevent aggression from other Chinese states. Construction was expanded and continued up until the Ming Dynasty from 1368-1644 AD.
12 12. Surf the Dunes of the Sahara Desert
If you are in for an extreme sports adventure, the Sahara desert offers a unique adventure. The crescent-shaped dunes known as barchans is a good site for sand boarding using a snowboard. A camel ride and quad biking are also possible in the Moroccan desert and spectacular view also adds to the thrill of the experience.
The sand dunes are beautiful during sunrise and a long drive to the local sand boarding spot gives visitors a chance to experience the breathtaking sites of the desert. The extreme warmth of the desert and the thrilling fun is something every American has to try once in a lifetime.
11 11. Visit the Ancient City of Petra, Jordan
There are many ancient sites worth visiting, but the most exciting architecture that has to be on your list is the magnificent ancient city of Petra in Jordan. This historical landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was used as a trade route during the 4th century BC.
What’s fascinating about Petra is how the city was carved in the mountain. The majestic façade of the fortress entrances in something every visitor should have a photograph with because of its intricate Romanesque design. If you are enthralled by Ancient Wonders, Petra is one of the historical sites worth visiting.
10 10. Experience an Antarctic Cruise
A cruise to the Antarctic has got to be one of the most memorable and enjoyable getaway adventures every American should have. It will let you revel in the untouched beauty of the planet’s last great wilderness frontier. A cruise gives you a close encounter with bellowing elephant seals, witness penguin rookeries, and enjoy the pristine grandeur of the snow covered slopes.
An Antarctic Cruise will enthrall you with the breathtaking island waterways, mesmerizing glaciers and icebergs, and the extreme cold that will surely make for a unique experience. A cruise can let you explore the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia among others.
9 9. Have a Romantic Ride on a Venetian Gondola
A romantic getaway to Italy is something that should be included in your list for adventures. Cruising through the canals of Venice with or without a lover is undeniably worth experiencing. A trip to the city though is expensive and so is a gondola ride. So, if you have plans to take a trip to this romantic getaway, it is best to save more so you can enjoy your stay.
A typical gondola ride lasts for about 40 minutes but you can share your ride with other people to save money. Gondoliers are licensed by the city and the Grand Canal, a major passageway of the city, is the best place to experience a gondola ride for its historic buildings and architecture.
8 8. Scuba Dive in the Great Barrier Reef
Australia’s the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s finest places to go swimming and do some other water sports. Diving is certainly a must-do when visiting the tourist spot as you are greeted with various sea creatures. The Great Barrier Reef is an impressive natural wonder with its abundance of marine wildlife.
If you love the sea, visiting Australia’s natural wonder is a must for city dwellers that are looking to have a commune with nature. There are lots of activities to do, too, including snorkeling, scuba diving, boat and aircraft tours, glass-bottomed boat viewing, and whale and dolphin watching.
7 7. Escape to a Tibetan monastery
If you are looking for a place to discover your true self, visiting some of the grandiose monasteries of Tibet is a must. Buddhist monasteries abound in the country and an escape will definitely contribute to your overall tranquility and peace of mind.
The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, the Romoche Temple and Norbulingka, Sera and Gandan Monastery are all worthy to visit if you are looking for a deeper spirituality. It can be a humbling experience to visit such a place once and can also be life-changing. These places are excellent getaways when you want to gain a new perspective on life and spiritual commitment.
6 6. Dive in Belize’s Lighthouse Reef
Belize has an astonishing atoll that is known for its uncanny beauty and wonderful coral formations. But in the middle of the reef is a 1,000-foot wide sinkhole that is a wonderful site for scuba diving. Underneath the waters lie an enormous rock formation made up of stalagmites and stalactites.
This site is worth visiting if you love an underwater adventure. The Lighthouse Reef is one of the three atolls of Belize located in the Caribbean Sea. The Blue Hole was determined to have formed during the last Glacial Age. It is one of the best scuba diving sites every American should have on his wish lists.
5 5. Take a Plunge in the Devil’s Pool of Victoria Falls
The Devil’s is located at the edge of Victoria Falls in Zambia. The Zambezi River which forms part of the waterfall is a perfect swimming destination and just along the lip of the falls is the Devil’s Pool. This rock formation was created because of erosion which happened thousands of years ago. The infinity pool was formed just at the edge of the sheer drop which makes it an exciting swimming destination for tourists.
A perfect swimming destination for the thrill seekers, the Devil’s Pool offers pure excitement and the adrenaline of being at the edge of a waterfall. The cascade though is safe because a barrier stops people from being carried by the river current.
4 4. Witness the Wilds of Galapagos Island
The Galapagos Islands in the Pacific has been historically known for its rich diversity of animals found nowhere else in the world. Composed of several islands, these Ecuadorian Isles became the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of Evolution. There are many wonderful species of must-see animals including the giant tortoise, land iguana, different species of finches, and the flightless cormorants.
There are many things to do in the Galapagos including educational cruises, a visit to the collapsed volcanic roof of Los Gemelos, cave exploration of the lava tunnels, and of course, beachfront adventures. An adventure trip to the Galapagos will change your perspective about the biodiversity the world has. It will make you think differently about the world.
3 3. Experience a Death-Defying Bungee Jump in the Kawarau River of New Zealand
New Zealand is a country rich with untouched natural resources. The country is a perfect getaway for those who are looking for an exciting adventure and self-discovery. One of the main tourist destinations is the Kawarau River located in the northwestern part of Otago.
Bungee jumping is one of its main attractions and people throng the Kawarau Bridge annually to take part in the sports. There are also lots of amazing adventure sports to do in the river including white river rafting, swimming, and many others. A visit to the lovely New Zealand country will surely take your stress off and a death defying bungee jump will leave you with a new impression of life.
2 2. Scale the Heights of Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome trail
The best thing about our country is you never have to leave for an exciting adventure. There are many destinations and one of the best sites to visit is the Yosemite National Park. The Half Dome Trail is an iconic and demanding hiking trail every American should experience. The breathtaking views will surely inspire any visitor about the richness our own country has.
The arduous mountain hike through the Half Dome Trail rewards you with a scenic view of the entire Yosemite Valley and the Sierra regions. The Half Dome Trail has one of the most challenging treks in the country including the Half Dome Cables. It is a two-metal cable that takes climbers to the last 400 feet of the summit, a must-have experience on your bucket list.
1 1. Hike the Grand Canyons of Arizona
The Grand Canyon is also one of the places every American should visit at least once in their lifetime because of its majestic and unique landscapes. The Havasu Falls is a unique desert waterfall everyone should have a glimpse of. There are lots of adventurous activities to do including backcountry camping, river trip opportunities, and an on-foot Grand Canyon exploration.
The grandeur of the Grand Canyon cannot be captured in photographs nor does any verbal description suffice. The only way to experience the overwhelming vastness and splendor of the Natural Wonder is to take a tour and witness the 6 million old rock formations.