One does not necessarily need to travel the world to get lasting memories. Some special experiences can do all the magic and inspire one's mind for an entire lifetime. For many, it may be watching a fantasy movie or reading a book, but one fact remains; such unique experiences can satisfy a person's deepest imagination. But for the wanderlusters of the world, there are just some things they need to experience in real life. Of course, no two travelers are alike and thus will likely crave different unique experiences. But a few must-tries, 17 to be exact, are so unique that we all secretly dream of experiencing them, hopefully once in our lifetime.

UPDATE: 2023/02/12 17:23 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Even More Of The Once In A Lifetime Travel Experiences Worth Having

There is an endless number of things to do in this world. If someone's life is boring, then that person may be doing this whole life-thing wrong. This list was updated and expanded with more of the great things to experience at least once in one's life around the world. Some of these memories will live on for a lifetime.

UPDATE: 2022/12/11 Sera Parris

14 Unique, Once In A Lifetime Travel Experiences Worth Having

Traveling is all about those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This article was updated and expanded to provide the reader with a few more unique experiences to consider trying when out exploring the world, including solo travel and swimming with the fishes.

17 A Polar Plunge In Antarctica

A polar plunge is an activity that's not just thrilling but also beneficial to the body in many ways. While there are many spots one can go to in the Northern Hemisphere to experience this kind of adventure, Antarctica is the place to be for anyone who truly wants to engage in this activity. In fact, rumor has it that there's nothing quite like taking the chilly and very icy polar plunge in one of the most unique places in the world. So as far as a once-in-a-lifetime experience goes, get ready to plunge away.

16 A Christmas In Polar Night

Christmas is a worldwide event that many people around the world celebrate every year. But not everybody gets to experience Christmas in the middle of Polar night. This is a period when the sun does not rise above the horizon for a period that can last from a week to three months, depending on the location. This leaves the sky dark for as long as the polar night lasts, but this atmospheric condition does not make this joyous occasion any less exciting. One can still enjoy the melodious music, beautiful Christmas trees, and the colorful colors of Christmas. That said, Christmas in Polar night can only be experienced in places in the Northern Hemisphere, such as - Svalbard, Alaska, and parts of Canada.

15 Scuba Dive And Touch Two Continents At The Same Time

One can scuba dive in many destinations around the world, but there’s no other place on earth where one can touch two continents at the same time while diving except at the Silfra Fissure in Iceland. Adventurers can find his otherworldly attraction in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park. Formed as a result of a rift between the North American and Eurasian Tectonic plates, a deep dive here is truly a unique experience worth having. This rift even moves two centimeters apart every year, which means the spot is still alive and constantly changing.

14 Spend A Night In An Underwater Hotel

The hotel experience is now more than just having a place to rest for the night. Many hotels around the world have now become attractions that are worth traveling for, and while there are still lots of hotels on the earth’s surface to visit, staying in an underwater hotel is something to experience at least once. This experience will have visitors spending the night with live views of life under the sea. Fishes, sharks, rays, and so many other interesting sea creatures will be everywhere. Some underwater hotels to visit around the world include - the Maruka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives; Atlantis at the Palm, Dubai; and Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore.

13 Travel To Space

Space Travel is something that has become popular in today’s world, but while this unique destination may not be easily accessible to the rest of the world, it would be epic to get an experience of this part of the Universe at least once in a lifetime. Fortunately, many organizations such as - Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, and Blue Origin now offer people the opportunity to experience a trip to this part of the world. What makes space travel so interesting is that it is an opportunity to see what’s beyond the sky. A chance to see the stars and witness a sight that the majority of the world only gets to see from their screens.

12 Fly First Class

When it is to be done once in a lifetime, it’s never too expensive. This applies to first-class flights. A lot of people are used to flying in small spaces beside noisy passengers. One does not always have to put up with this. For just once, it will be nice to book a first-class flight and enjoy some royal treatment. The sky is not going to fall. An experience such as this will open one’s eyes to many things. First, one will realize that airplane food is not always so small and that one can enjoy amazing views from three different windows during the flight while sipping a glass of champagne.

Related: Emirates First Class Is The Definition Of Flying In Luxury

11 Float In The Dead Sea

Of course, not all bodies of water are created equal, which is very evident in the Dead Sea in Jordan. While many require swimming to stay afloat, the Dead Sea only requires one to lay still as it handles the floating part naturally. Thanks to this waterway's high salt concentration, ample swimming experience isn't needed. Besides offering a relaxing float, this water is said to be beneficial to the skin. So, for anyone who's feeling adventurous and health conscious, there's no time like the present to float in the Dead Sea.

10 Solo Travel

So many wanderlusters sit at home, month after month, year after year because no one wants to see the world as they do. Even if it isn't that dramatic, more often than not, coordinating schedules, budgets, and interests are all a lot of work. So sometimes, the best option is to go it alone and embrace the great unknown. In fact, everyone should step outside their comfort zone at least once in their lifetime, book a flight and pack a bag. Remember, there's no time like the present.

9 Visit Hobbiton Movie Set In New Zealand

The Lord of the Rings is one epic movie that still lights up the flame of fantasy in the minds of many adventurers around the world. One place to experience the magic of this epic movie is Hobbiton in New Zealand which was the location of the shire and Frodo. Besides Hobbiton, there are so many places from the movie one can see while in New Zealand. To rekindle the flame of middle earth fantasy, one can even watch the movie while in the country it was filmed more than 20 years ago.

Related: 20 Surprising Facts Tourists Should Know About The Lord Of The Rings Movie Set In New Zealand

8 Spend Time On A Lesser-Known Island

Island travel or hopping is one of the most exciting adventures one can have. Of course, there are many popular islands around the world that one can visit. But there's just something special about those mystery islands that have remained popular and somehow unknown to most parts of the world. Besides having beautiful white sand beaches and unique natural attractions, these Lesser-known islands come with the added advantage of seclusion and tranquility, which means one will not have to deal with overcrowded beaches or noisy resorts.

7 Swim With The Fishes

Whether it's whale sharks, dolphins, stingrays, or any other incredible sea creature, there's just something magical about being that close. This is a great way to test your limits and diving skills if you happen to be out in the ocean. Alternatively, suppose your first swim is in the safety of discovery cove or some other lagoon with trained professionals nearby. In that case, one can still marvel at these impressive sea mammals and check off swimming with the fishes from their unique experience list.

6 Party Hard

Unique experiences come in many forms, and a simple party might just be what one needs to truly get inspired. There are more than a few destinations where enjoying a vibrant party is more than possible. Sure, everyone should strive to live a decent life and be an upstanding member of society when they can, but where's the harm in letting go of oneself and enjoying the party? If only for a little while. Whether it sounds decent or not, such one-off experiences create unforgettable memories that are sure to last a lifetime.

Related: Are You Brave Enough To Browse This Voodoo Market In West Africa?

5 Go To An Intrepid Destination

Most people want to visit the most popular destinations (like London, Paris, Thailand, the Yucatán Peninsula, etc.). But one of the things people should consider doing is visiting very unusual and challenging destinations. Some of these destinations are dangerous and not advised (like visiting the Pyramids of Sudan or the legendary city of Timbuktu in Mali).

But with the right organized tour, some other destinations can be the trip of a lifetime. Consider visiting the West African countries of Senegal or Togo (the origin of Voodoo). One of the most unforgettable destinations in the world is the diverse and perplexing country of Papua New Guinea.

4 Go On A Self-Driven Tour In Namibia

Namibia is one of the most developed and other-worldly countries in Southern Africa. It is a country a third the size of India but has a population of only 2.5 million. The country is vast, expansive, and empty. It is one of the best places in the world for a self-drive tour.

Visitors can see shipwrecks along the beaches in the deserts, picture-perfect sand-dune deserts, authentic culture, and some of the best national parks in Africa. Etosha National Park is one of the easiest parks to go on a self-driven safari tour, and it is one of the cheapest in Africa. Finally, everyone should spend a night at Omaruru Game Lodge in the heart of the country.

3 Visit India

Jaipur's Historic Amber Fort in India
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Jaipur's Historic Amber Fort in India

India is a crazy country. It is so full of diversity and just about every form of stimuli one can think about. India is a country where one can have an adventure just by going to get lunch. It is a country where one can see elephants casually crossing the roads at the pedestrian crossings, bodies being cremated on the Ganges River, and see a herd of water buffalo wandering down the street in the center of a city of a million people.

2 Go On The World's Largest Human Catapult

The Kiwis in New Zealand are crazy for outdoor sports. They have been kicking terrified bungy-jumping tourists off their bridges for decades (it's something of a national pastime), and they have built the world's largest human catapult. Go to the adventure capital of Queenstown and experience the thrill of the largest human swing in the world, the largest human catapult, and the oldest bungy jumping site.

1 Hike The Appalachian Trail

Foggy Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap in Great Smokey Mountains National Park
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Foggy Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap in Great Smokey Mountains National Park

Perhaps the ultimate iconic long-distance hike is the Appalachian Trail. Hiking enthusiasts should hike this massive 2,200 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine through 14 states. And then, if that isn't enough, finish the Appalachians off with the extension in Canada (the mountain range doesn't just stop at the northern border). One needs to be determined to complete this trail. Of the 3,000 annual attempts at an AT-Thru hike, only around 25% succeed.