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Dream Big: 20 Epic Bucket List Ideas

Those who know me well understand my passion for travel, embracing new experiences, and creating lasting memories.  I’m a dreamer, always imagining new places to explore and adventures to embark on.  Keeping a bucket list of my aspirations inspires me to chase after my dreams.

Do you have a bucket list? If not, now’s the perfect time to start! To spark your inspiration, here are the top 20 dreams on my list:

1. Attend the Festival of Lights in Chiang Mai

Attending the Festival of Lights (Yi Peng) in Chiang Mai Thailand has been at the top of my bucket list for years. It looks like such an amazing and beautiful experience. The festival holds deep meaning as well, with the Thai tradition stating that releasing a lantern into the night sky symbolizes letting go of troubles and making a fresh start. I can’t imagine anything more magical. 

2. Explore Halong Bay via Junk Boat

I’ve been dreaming of exploring Halong Bay in Vietnam for years! The photos look absolutely stunning. I even have my ideal trip planned: a 2-night/3-day stay in the owner’s suite on the Grand Pioneers Cruise. I just need to make it happen. Does anyone else have cruising Halong Bay on their bucket list?

Check it out here: Grand Pioneers – Suite Details

3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia

Cappadocia Turkey looks almost other worldly with its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings.  Staying in a cave hotel, taking a sunrise hot air balloon ride, and enjoying a magical dinner in a cave would make for an unforgettable experience.

4. Celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh

Spending Hogmanay in Edinburgh would be cool because it’s one of the world’s most spectacular New Year’s celebrations. The city hosts a huge street party with Scottish music and dancing, fireworks, and a torchlight procession where thousands carry flaming torches through the streets.  Sounds like a pretty fabulous at atmosphere to ring in the New Year.

5. Have drinks at a rooftop bar in Bangkok

Since watching Hangover II and seeing that incredible rooftop bar in Bangkok, I’ve been wanting to visit. I can’t imagine what a cool experience that would be!

Photo Courtesy of Lebua

6. Bathe elephants in Thailand

Since I’m already going to be in Thailand sipping cocktails on a rooftop in Bangkok and launching lanterns into the sky in Chiang Mai, I might as well bathe some elephants too! 😊😊😊 It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and what an incredible experience it would be to spend time with these majestic animals.

7. Stay at Secret Bay

Ever since I came across photos of Secret Bay in Dominica, I’ve been dreaming about staying there. The property looks stunning, nestled among trees on a cliffside. The villas are open-air and secluded, featuring private pools that overlook the Caribbean Sea. Their dinners are a personalized dining experience, where meals are custom-made based on your preferences after a chat with the chef. I’m obsessed with Secret Bay and hope I’ll be lucky enough to visit one day.

Check it out here: Zabuco Villas (secretbay.dm)

8. Enjoy Private Dinner on a Secluded Beach

Alright, I have to confess—I’ve done this once before, but it was so amazing that as our 20th wedding anniversary approaches, I’m yearning to do it again. On our wedding night, Brian and I enjoyed a magical private dinner on the beach at the Four Seasons Hualalai in Hawaii. With tiki torches flickering, moonlight bathing us, and the soothing sound of waves, it was an unforgettable evening.

If you ever get the chance to do this, just say yes. It’s an incredibly romantic experience that will be etched in your memory forever.

9. Watch the Sunrise over Angkor Wat

I’ve been dreaming of visiting Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and its ancient temples for so long. I’ve seen photos of it at sunrise, and the whole place lights up with these amazing colors, revealing the details of these beautiful temples. It’s definitely looks like an amazing experience.

10. Explore Japan

Whether it would be exploring Kyoto’s iconic temples, experiencing the geisha culture at a machiya house, witnessing cherry blossoms in bloom, cruising the scenic Otaru Canal, or taking in the vibrant, bustling quirkiness of Tokyo—Japan seems like a destination that has so much to offer.

11. Experience Baby Turtles Hatch and Make Their Way to the Ocean

Imagine witnessing this incredible sight! With the hatching season for newborn turtles spanning about 8 weeks, actually catching the event would require perfect timing. But wouldn’t it be amazing?

12. Explore More of the Amazing Croatia

I LOVE Croatia! A couple of years ago, we explored Plitvice, Istria, Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar, and now I’m totally hooked! The friendly people, stunning scenery, and crystal-clear waters are unbeatable. I can’t wait to go back and visit Brac, Sibenik, Zadar, Cres, Krka, Trogir, Rijeka, Cavtat, Makarska, Primosten, Supetar, Vis… the list goes on. If Croatia isn’t on your bucket list yet, it definitely should be. It’s a fantastic destination!

13. Visit Dubai for Desert Glamping and City Adventures

Trust me, this isn’t the glamping you’re imagining. It’s a full-on luxury experience in the red dunes of Dubai. Spend your days on a desert safari, sandboarding, ATV riding, and camel riding. In the evenings, enjoy Michelin 4-star dinners, traditional music and belly dancing, falconry displays, and swimming in your private pool under the star-studded desert sky. Plus, the city boasts the Burj Khalifa, massive malls, palatial resorts, and is considered one of the most luxurious cities in the world. Umm……yes please!

14. Visit Amsterdam During Tulip season

Seeing Amsterdam in full bloom during tulip season is an absolute dream. Imagine strolling through the gardens surrounded by millions of colorful tulips in every shade imaginable. Getting to explore the charming canals and picturesque streets when the city is alive with flowers. Springtime looks to be the most magical time to experience the beauty and charm of the Netherlands.

15. Stomp grapes like Lucy

I’ve always loved the “I Love Lucy” episode where she stomps grapes and ends up in a wrestling match covered in grape juice. That hilarious scene has stayed with me all these years. I really want to recreate it with my friends—jumping on grapes, getting covered in grape juice, and laughing our heads off. It sounds like so much fun!

Be honest, does a wrestling match in a vat of grapes sound fun to you?

16. Discover Hoi An’s Ancient Charm

After glowing recommendations from my well-traveled sister-in-law, who adores exploring Asia, I cannot wait to experience Hoi An for myself. This picturesque town in Vietnam, with its lantern-lit evenings, charming atmosphere, tailor-made clothing shops, bustling night markets, and basket boat rides through palm forests, had already captivated my imagination.

Are familiar with Hoi An? If not, Google it!

17. Experience a Walking Pub Crawl Through the Cotswolds

Joining my friends on this adventure has been on my mind for a while. We’d start with a classic English brew at The Mousetrap Inn in Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” for its beautiful views. Then, a leisurely stroll through the countryside would lead us to The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, a charming market town with historic streets. Finally, we’d wander through stone cottages and boutiques until we reach The Crown and Trumpet Inn in Broadway, covering about 8 miles of stunning landscapes and plenty of laughter.

18. Drink Gluhwein in the World’s Capital of Christmas

Strasbourg France at Christmas seems absolutely enchanting. The city, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” transforms into a magical wonderland with its festive decorations and renowned Christmas markets. The medieval streets are covered with twinkling lights and festive garlands, while the aroma of mulled wine fills the air. Imagining myself there, I can picture wandering through the markets, exploring stalls filled with handmade crafts and local delights, all amidst a backdrop of holiday cheer and joyous celebrations. It’s a scene that captures the essence of Christmas magic and I look forward to experiencing it one day.

19. Swing Over the Jungle in Bali

Bali is known for its stunning beaches, awe-inspiring landscapes, picturesque rice terraces, temples, and crystal-clear water. If you’ve looked at many travel photos of Bali, you’ve likely seen someone swinging high above the jungle on one of those scenic swings. From what I’ve seen in pictures and read in travel blogs, these swings offer breathtaking views of the jungle and dramatic cliffs. The thrill of swinging out into the open air, with the beautiful Balinese landscape below, looks both exhilarating and serene. A must do for me!

20. Stay in an Overwater Villa in the Maldives

Staying in an overwater villa in the Maldives is a dream that tops many bucket lists, including mine. From what I’ve read and seen, these villas offer unparalleled luxury and tranquility, with direct access to crystal-clear turquoise waters right from your private deck. Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves, diving into the warm sea from your villa, and snorkeling amongst colorful marine life. Seems like it would be the perfect place for an unforgettable tropical escape.