Some experiences are too good to miss. These bucket list adventures will stay with you for a lifetime. 

 
Are you looking to check off some truly remarkable experiences from your adventure bucket list? These once-in-a-lifetime moments will leave you with incredible stories to share for years to come. From soaring high above the ground in a hot air balloon to seeing a total solar eclipse, these bucket list travel experiences are perfect for those who crave once-in-a-lifetime thrills.  

Here are our top recommendations for the most exciting bucket list places to visit.  

What Does “Bucket List” Mean in Travel? 

The term “bucket list” refers to a collection of experiences, destinations, or goals a person wants to achieve in their lifetime. In travel, this could mean visiting unique destinations, trying new adventures, or seeing natural wonders. It’s all about making memories that will last forever. Whether you’re into fast-paced activities or simply want to experience the beauty of the world, there’s a travel bucket list experience for you. 

1. Hot Air Balloon Rides: Cappadocia, Turkey

There’s something magical about floating through the sky in a hot air balloon, and Cappadocia in Turkey offers one of the most stunning backdrops for this bucket list experience. The region’s unique, fairy-tale landscapes – featuring bizarre rock formations and ancient cave dwellings – are best seen from above. As the sun rises, hundreds of colourful balloons fill the sky, creating a scene that’s nothing short of breathtaking. 

Best Time to Go to Turkey: The best time to visit Cappadocia for hot air balloon rides is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These months offer ideal weather conditions, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Avoid the extreme summer heat or harsh winter cold for a more comfortable experience. 

Browse our Turkey holiday packages and find your dream bucket list Turkey trip. 

2. The Great Migration: Serengeti & Masai Mara, Africa

One of nature’s most incredible spectacles, the Great Migration is a bucket list adventure that should be on every wildlife lover’s radar. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their way across the plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara, driven by the instinct to find food and water. Watching this extraordinary migration is a life-changing experience. 

Best Time to Go: The best time to see the Great Migration is from July to October. During this period, the herds are making their dramatic river crossings in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, offering thrilling moments. However, the migration is a year-round event, and there’s always something to see depending on the time of year. 

Enquire with us or keep an eye on our Tanzania holiday packages to indulge in the ultimate in safari bucket list holidays. 

3. Staying in Igloos: Sleep Under the Northern Lights in Finland

Imagine lying in a cosy igloo, watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Finland’s Lapland is one of the best places in the world to experience this magical phenomenon. The lights, with their vibrant greens and purples, provide the perfect natural show as you curl up inside your glass-roofed igloo, enjoying the warmth of a fire. 

Best Time to Go: The best time to visit Finland for the Northern Lights is from late September to early April. The winter months offer the clearest skies, providing the best chance to see this natural light display. Peak viewing conditions are typically between December and February. 

4. The 2027 Solar Eclipse: See a Rare Astronomical Event in Luxor, Egypt

Mark your calendars for August 2, 2027, when one of the longest total solar eclipses in history will be visible in Luxor, Egypt. For up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, the moon will cover the sun, plunging the landscape into darkness. This celestial event will be one of the most significant astronomical occurrences for the next 87 years. There’s no better place to see this extraordinary phenomenon than in Luxor, with its ancient temples and the iconic Nile River setting the perfect stage. 

Best Time to Go: The best time to visit Luxor to see the 2027 total solar eclipse is in early August. However, it’s a good idea to visit Egypt during the winter months (November to March) for milder weather, as summer temperatures can be scorching. 

5. Sports Events: Grand Prix – Spanish, Dutch, Singapore, and Qatar

If you’re a motorsport fan, then attending a Grand Prix should be on your travel bucket list. The speed, excitement, and atmosphere of these events are unmatched. Whether it’s the high-speed thrills of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, the challenging circuit of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, the glamour and luxury of the Singapore Grand Prix, or the desert heat and stunning setting of the Qatar Grand Prix, there’s something about these races that make them a bucket list experience for any sports enthusiast. 

Best Time to Go: 

• Spanish Grand Prix: May, during the early summer months, is ideal for Barcelona, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. 
• Dutch Grand Prix: Held in mid-August, offering mild weather and great views of the racing action. 
• Singapore Grand Prix: September is perfect for the Singapore Grand Prix, though it’s humid, the night race adds to the thrill. 
• Qatar Grand Prix: October or November is ideal, as the desert weather cools down and makes for a comfortable experience. 

You can browse all our sports travel packages in one place – our Sports Travel Deals page! 

How to Make a Travel Bucket List 

A travel bucket list is a personal guide to your dream adventures. To get started, consider these simple steps: 

1. Think about your passions: What excites you most – whether it’s adventure, culture, nature, or relaxation – let that be the driving force behind your list. 
2. Research destinations: Look into places and experiences that align with your passions. Whether it's a hot air balloon ride or a sports event, the possibilities are endless! 
3. Set realistic goals: It’s important to balance dream adventures with achievable ones. Break your list down into smaller goals. 
4. Stay flexible: Sometimes life gets in the way, but don’t let that discourage you. Keep your list updated and make room for new experiences! 

The #1 Travel Destination 

While it’s hard to pick just one, some of the world’s top destinations include places like Cappadocia, Luxor, and the Grand Prix races. These spots are famous for their one-of-a-kind experiences and visiting them is like stepping into another world.  

Let’s Make Your Bucket List Adventures A Reality 

From hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia to seeing the solar eclipse in Luxor, these bucket list adventures are unforgettable. Thompsons Holidays makes booking your dream holiday effortless, handling all the details so you can focus on creating lifelong memories. Start planning your next travel adventure today with Thompsons Holidays.