25 Experiences to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

One of the great ironies of travel is that it can leave you speechless before turning you into a storyteller, and those items you tick off your travel bucket list become the ultimate stories.

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There are so many incredible things to do around the world, that narrowing it down to just 25 travel bucket list ideas can be challenging, but here's our attempt at getting it down to just that.

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1. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Located under the sea and off the coast of northeast Australia, you'll find the majestic Great Barrier Reef.

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Visible from outer space, this ocean masterpiece is the largest living organism on the planet. The Reef has hundreds of coral types that make up thousands of smaller reefs and islands. This colourful ecosystem is 2,300 km long and home to many plants and sea creatures.

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Thousands of different types of fish, sharks, shells, starfish, turtles, and dolphins live and feed nearby. Grab a snorkel, or better yet, a GoPro, and you'll capture some of the best footage this planet offers.

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This is a must for every travel bucket list.

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2. USA road trip along Route 1 in California

From one end to the other, this beautiful, coast-hugging road will take you from San Francisco Bay down to San Diego.

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You'll never see as vivid a blue as you will from the Pacific Coast. As you wind down from San Francisco, you'll pass through Big Sur, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Los Angeles, and Orange County, before ending up in San Diego.

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You can camp at sites along the way, hang out at the golden beaches, ride the ocean swell, and grab a bite to eat in the vibrant towns. Hire a convertible, throw on some Beach Boys, and make sure to take your camera.

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It's a perfect road trip for those who have just finished at Summer Camp in America.

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3. Capture the Northern Lights

The awe-inspiring Northern Lights can be seen from many locations, but the further north you go, the brighter the lights will be.

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More formally known as the 'Aurora Borealis,' these mysterious light rays create an almost lava lamp-like spectacle in the sky. They result from fast-moving, highly charged electrical particles produced by the sun.

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It's fair to say the Northern Lights will dazzle you, so make sure it's on your travel bucket list.

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4. Inter-rail around Europe

An inter-rail pass is the ultimate way to tick off most European countries in one trip.

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It allows you to visit historic cities and towns, dive deep into different European cultures, and discover some of the world's best landscapes, gateways and trails.

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Whether two weeks, one month or longer, it's the ultimate summer trip for the first-time gap year backpacker and definitely near the top of travel bucket list ideas.

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5. Discover Petra, Jordan

Petra, or "The Rose City", was once a thriving trading city in the desert of Jordan.

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It was abandoned and left in ruins for centuries, and is now a world-famous archaeological site. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and one of the world's seven new wonders.

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The entrance to Al Khazneh, carved into the red mountain rock, is 45 metres high, and dates back to around 300 BC.

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You might recognise it from the Indiana Jones film 'The Last Crusade'.

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6. Visit the Taj Majal

No travel bucket list of ideas is complete without a trip to the Taj Mahal.

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Located in Agra, India, it was commissioned in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It's now a world heritage site, and one of the most famed pieces of architecture worldwide.

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It's arguably the most easily recognisable symbol of India. Inspired by Indian, Persian, and Islamic influences, the mausoleum took over 20 years to build.

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Around 7-8 million people visit this spectacular landmark yearly.

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7. Explore Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom, located in Cambodia, was the last remaining city of the 12th century Khmer Empire.

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It represents one of humankind's most astonishing and enduring feats of architectural achievement.

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Although most of the city has now disappeared, these beautiful remains are definitely worth visiting.

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8. Visit Lake Louise

The spectacular Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park in Canada. 

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The park is home to some of the best ski resorts, hiking trails, and lakes in the world - but none are quite as famous as Lake Louise. Often described as 'The Diamond in the Wilderness', it's surrounded by glaciers and waterfalls. 

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Bring an extra battery for your camera - this is definitely one for your travel bucket list if you've just finished your summer with Camp Canada.

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9. Catch a Sunset at the Grand Canyon

No travel bucket list is complete without The Grand Canyon, and you'll find a lot of people after summer camp in America flocking to experience it.

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This ruggedly beautiful formation of red rock stretches as far as the eye can see in almost every direction.

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The canyon is more than just a pretty sunset spot: you can go hiking, camping, spot rare wildlife, and even catch a helicopter ride to the bottom for whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.

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10. Stand Before the Great Pyramids of Giza

Ancient Egypt is one of the most fascinating, often-studied cultures ever.

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This ancient civilisation left a gigantic footprint behind in the form of the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is the oldest and most intact of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World and a symbol of great Egyptian architecture. The pyramid took over 20 years to build, using techniques that scientists estimate took centuries to develop.

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To stand in its presence is awe-inspiring.

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11. Hike the Great Inca Trail Picchu

The most popular tourist destination for travellers to Peru, this lost Incan city of Machu Picchu is a sight to behold.

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With its awe-inspiring location, Machu Picchu is the best-known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent.

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Apart from a few indigenous Quenchuas, nobody knew of its existence until American historian Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it in 1911.

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12. Fall in Love in Paris

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France's capital is one of the most historic and beautiful European cities.

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Paris is famous for everything from the language, food, art, and culture. Everything about it will leave you wanting more.

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From its quirky cafes to its scenic landmarks, Paris will find a place in your heart.

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13. Visit the Isle of Skye

A trip to the Isle of Skye will give you landscapes and views that rival anywhere in the world.

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From its pure sandy shores, to the picture-perfect waterfalls, it's an island full of hidden treasures.

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This Scottish destination is somewhat remote, but it's worth checking off your travel bucket list.

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14. Get Lost in Venice

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Stunning architecture, mysterious passageways, and, of course, the canals make Venice one of the most alluring cities in the world, the type of place where, as a visitor, you'll welcome getting lost.

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These winding, intertwining river passageways take you on adventures that almost feel out of this world.

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Seeing this fascinating city via waterways really is something unique to experience.

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15. Go on an African Safari

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An African safari is undoubtedly high on the dream list of any wildlife enthusiast, intrepid traveller or adventure seeker. Safaris in Africa are unforgettable – and quite unlike any other experience.

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Several African countries have safari reserves, and the work of these parks aids essential conservation efforts for some of these majestic animals.

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The money that your safari costs goes towards these efforts, and at the same time, you'll have the experience of your life.

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16. Walk the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the world's true wonders. 

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Good luck walking all of it in one go - it winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains, and rivers for around 13,170 miles. It's over 2000 years old, and a famed tourist spot for its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

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If you're interested in exploring China in the summer, learn more about how you can with Adventure China.

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17. Visit the National Khao Sok Park

This lowland jungle is Thailand's rainiest spot and, at over 160 million years old, one of the world's oldest rainforests.

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Dramatic limestone formations and waterfalls cascade through juicy thickets drenched with rain and morning dew. Whether riding in the back of an open Tuk-Tuk or racing across the waves in a longtail boat, a journey through the Thai islands always feels like a real adventure.

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Thailand's beauty has no ends.

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18. Walk Through Ashikaga Flower Park

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‍Ashikaga Flower Park will make you feel as if you've just been shot through space and landed on the surface of the planet Pandora in James Cameron's "Avatar". 

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If you love being at one with nature and are captivated by the array of colours flowers boast, you'll feel at home in Ashikaga Flower Park in Japan.

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Travel bucket list ideas don't come much more unique than this.

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19. Visit Rome

They say all roads lead to Rome, and it's easy to see why.

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It's a city steeped in history and culture, that paved the way for many cultures of today.

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From the architecture of the ancient Colosseum to Michaelangelo's frescoes in nearby Vatican City, Rome is surrounded by history and beauty, leaving you with travel bucket list items at every turn.

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20. Visit Santorini

Santorini may have conquered a corner of your imagination before you've even seen it.

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The main island of Thira will take your breath away, with its snowdrift of white Cycladic houses lining the cliff tops. When the sun sets, the reflection on the buildings and the glow of the orange and red in the cliffs can be truly spectacular.

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It's one of the world's favourite destinations for a picturesque retreat, and it's easy to see why.

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21. Sail Around Halong Bay

Recognised as a Natural Wonder of the World by UNESCO, Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam for travellers who love discovering nature.

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One of the best ways to explore this wonder of the world is on a cruise trip through the rock islands, caves, and spectacular beaches.

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You'll be met by friendly locals, incredible views, and stunning backdrops at every turn.

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22. Hike to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area

With its towering sandstone pillars, dizzying stone bridges, and mysterious caves, the Wulingyuan Scene Area is one of China's most aesthetic natural sites.

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As with travelling anywhere in China, it feels like a genuinely adventurous trip, with mountainous ranges dotted between vast expanses and rolling greenery.

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Travel bucket list ideas don't get cooler than this!

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23. Explore Bagan

Bagan (also known as Pagan) is an ancient city once the capital of the first Burmese Empire.

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Bagan is home to temples and buildings built from the 11th to the 13th centuries. More than 2000 pagodas and temples were built by ancient kings, meaning it's an incredible stop for history and culture lovers.

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24. Stand on Preachers Rock, Norway

"The Pulpit Rock" is a square formation of rock resembling a pulpit, standing 604 meters above the Lysefjord.

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The hike takes about two hours, and when you face the view from the top, you will immediately see why this remarkable rocky plateau receives well over 200,000 visitors every year.

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You'll need steady legs, as the views are incredible, albeit high!
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25. Iguazu Falls, Argentina

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The exquisite Iguazu Falls are also known as the Iguassu Falls or Iguacu Falls.

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The magnificent spectacle of these 275 individual drops has been a natural source of inspiration for tourists, locals, and indigenous inhabitants for centuries.

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Although the last on our travel bucket list ideas, it's certainly not the least.

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