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 explanation 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 may have you asking: What’s my once-in-a-lifetime quest?
Take a Safari Tour in South Africa
My high bucket record out of doors journey could be to take a safari tour by way of the well-known Kruger Nationwide Park in South Africa.
Having 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, Shifting Jack
Expertise Automotive Racing at Bonneville Salt Flats
I might 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 velocity information looks like such an exhilarating expertise!
Religion Czarnecki, Journey Advisor, Travelista Travels
Hike the Dolomites in Northern Italy
My high bucket record journey contains mountain climbing the Dolomites, situated 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 main attraction 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 feat from ending the path and rediscovering themselves inside a rare panorama.
The mixture of breathtaking surroundings with genuine villages creates the right journey vacation spot.
Nothing compares to savoring Italian delicacies as a pleasant reward after finishing a prolonged hike.
Renato Fernandes, Scientific Nutritionist, Saude Pulso
White Water Rafting the Grand Canyon
White water rafting the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River has been on my bucket record for a very long time, and I’m excited to attempt it.
The considered paddling by way of highly effective rapids whereas surrounded by the superb canyons of feels like an unimaginable journey.
I’ve heard that the combination of peaceable waters and intense drops makes the journey thrilling and unforgettable.
Tenting by the river and having fun with the attractive desert views would make the expertise even higher.
In the future, I’m going to make it occur and really feel the fun of the Colorado River for myself.
Evan McCarthy, President and CEO, SportingSmiles
Trek the Kokoda Observe in Papua New Guinea
If I may select one out of doors journey earlier than I cross away, I must say trekking the Kokoda Observe in Papua New Guinea.
I’ve heard tales of its difficult terrain, the dense jungle, and the unimaginable historical past behind it.
I consider it could be a tremendous expertise to push myself bodily and mentally, whereas additionally paying respects to the courageous troopers who fought there throughout World Conflict II.
However I’m not getting any youthful. If I don’t do it quickly, life may get in the best way.
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 nighttime, each actually and metaphorically.
Matt Little, Proprietor & Managing Director, Festoon Home
Hike Pico de Orizaba in Mexico
As somebody who has chased a few of the most breathtaking pure landscapes on the planet, one expertise that I’ve at all times dreamed of reaching is mountain climbing 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 way of a panorama surrounding the snowy cliffs, is extraordinarily difficult. However as an Aries, I like massive 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 verify one off the record, it could be Pico de Orizaba.
It’s not merely a bodily journey, however an emotional one—a reminder of the unimaginable issues nature offers.
Mariana Montes, Native Tour Information and Journey Author, Vibe Adventures
Swim with Whale Sharks in Donsol
I cannot permit myself to die with out swimming with whale sharks in Donsol, Philippines.
There’s no method I’m leaving this planet with out that have.
I’ve thought of it for years. The concept of being within the open ocean, face-to-face with one thing that huge and historic, slows every part down in one of the simplest ways.
My work is continuous, filled with deadlines and shifting 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 way of the water by itself phrases.
Spencer Romenco, Chief Development Strategist, Development Spurt
Sea Kayak By means of Channel Islands
My final bucket record journey needs to be sea kayaking by way of 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 after I was coordinating a luxurious yacht constitution close to Santa Cruz Island and noticed a large blue whale breaching—utterly remodeling my understanding of those islands from fairly coastal views to a rare 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 fun of paddling alongside the biggest creatures on Earth.
I’ve been systematically constructing the talents wanted—taking progressively tougher kayaking journeys alongside the Mendocino coast, studying navigation strategies,and finding out marine wildlife patterns—as a result of one of the best adventures aren’t simply checked off a listing however actually skilled by way of preparation and presence.
Do not forget that “the wilderness asks you to come back as you’re however go away 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 way of this extraordinary marine sanctuary.
Joe Hawtin, Proprietor, Marin County Customer
Go to Antarctica’s Icy Wilderness
One out of doors journey I might like to take earlier than I die is visiting Antarctica.
Exploring that untouched, icy wilderness feels like a dream come true.
Simply image it: stepping onto the large, frozen panorama, surrounded by huge glaciers and colonies of penguins, with seals lounging on drifting icebergs.
I can think about kayaking by way of 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 fee!
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 value each penny.
Naima Ch, Advertising and marketing Head and search engine marketing Specialist, Morse Code Translator
Sail Round Pacific Islands
Having had many adventures all around the world, I hold pondering of an increasing number of experiences to have.
A few of the ones which are nonetheless excessive on my record 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 of one of the difficult hikes in Europe, and I like an excellent problem.
- Tenting underneath the celebrities whereas mountain climbing the Jordan Path: an remoted path with the interior 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 record journey is to embark on an Arctic expedition aboard a solar-powered icebreaker, navigating by way of 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 finding out 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 understand this isn’t only a journey—it’s an expertise that adjustments 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 could be about mixing journey with scientific exploration.
This Arctic journey could be the final word fusion of journey, sustainability, and scientific curiosity—and if I get the prospect to do it, I’ll be bringing again extra than simply reminiscences.
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 may see them.
Every day, solely about 96 individuals are allowed to trek—eight guests per gorilla household, strictly for one hour. That’s it!
This degree of safety is not any accident; professional 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 way of lush, misty rainforest on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains, typically at excessive altitudes.
It’s bodily demanding—however once 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 once you assume that you’re not less than 20 ft away from them, a big silverback brushes previous you, generally planting their knuckle in your ft.
Sanjay Nair, Founder, Safari Lab
Climb Mount Everest
I’ve at all times been fascinated by the concept of climbing Mount Everest.
It isn’t solely one of many biggest out of doors adventures but in addition an emblem of perseverance and dedication.
Standing at 8,848 meters above sea degree, it’s the tallest mountain on the planet and attracts hundreds of climbers yearly.
For me personally, reaching the summit of Mount Everest could be the final 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.
However it’s not nearly reaching the summit. The journey to get there may be simply as necessary. Climbing Mount Everest requires dedication, teamwork, and resilience. It’s a check of bodily and psychological power, pushing one’s limits and overcoming obstacles.
Ryan Nelson, Founder, PropertyBuild
Experience a Motorbike Throughout Pamir Freeway
I might like to experience a bike 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 during Tajikistan, winding by way of the Wakhan Valley, and pushing by way of these brutal mountain passes the place the roads collapse 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 must do it.
There’s one thing about being on two wheels, uncovered to the weather, staring down cliffs with no guardrails, and figuring out 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 gentle or cell tower.
Simply me, the highway, and no matter comes subsequent. If I don’t experience the Pamir earlier than I’m performed, I’ll by no means cease fascinated with it. That one’s not only a journey. It’s a necessity.
Johannes Hock, President, Synthetic Grass Execs
Hike Torres del Paine Circuit
Mountain climbing the Torres del Paine Circuit in Chile has been on the high of my record 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 concept of moving into a spot the place every part quiets down and the one factor I would like to consider is the subsequent 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 one 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 best way. 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 record journey could be a multi-day tenting journey on North Stradbroke Island, often known as Straddie.
With its beautiful seashores, wealthy Aboriginal tradition, and numerous wildlife, it presents an immersive strategy to reconnect with nature.
On Straddie, guests can get pleasure from 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 rest and journey.
Given my background in hospitality and private dedication to buyer expertise, I see this journey as a strategy to additional deepen my appreciation for what’s attainable when nature meets service. It’s about experiencing the world by way of completely different lenses.
Cam Storey, Proprietor, Brisbane 360
Your story is ready.
The world is vast 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 exhibits 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 one of the best tales are those you really reside.
