Memories are made every day with the ones that you love, but there are some moments that are so outstanding and amazing that you have to plan for them. Developing a list of things you want to do before you die can help you plan for the future and enjoy activities you’ve always wanted to experience. Once you create your list, look back on it from time to time to see how you can make those experiences part of your reality…and then plan for the amazing!
To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 20 Experiences Every Person Should Have Before They Die. How many have you crossed off your personal “bucket list” as of today?
1. Go on an African Safari.
View the unspoiled wilderness of the African plains on your very own safari adventure. Modern zoos have made a lot of these animals viewable around the world, but there’s nothing like seeing giraffes gallop across the terrain or passing by a sleeping pride of lions in their natural habitat. Travel agent experts say to book your safari at least a year in advance. Check out Go2Africa.com to research top safari destinations and research travel itineraries.
2. Go sky-diving.
Sky-diving is the closest we humans will come to taking flight (at least right now)…so why not experience it? Sky-diving schools are located all around the country and provide an exhilarating, and safe, journey into thewild, blue yonder.
3. Learn to play an instrument.
Having the ability to make music is both rewarding and challenging. All it takes is a small investment and some dedicated practice. You can go the more traditional route and learn the guitar and the piano, or branch out to learn the bassoon! Look for tutoring at a local college, find community center classes or search InstrumentLessons.org
for a teacher in your area.
4. Take up a martial art.
Whether its judo, karate or tai chi, you’ll get something out of practicing one of the martial arts. They provide a balance of mental and physical training that can’t be found anywhere else. In addition, practicing martial arts has been proven to improve cardiovascular health, which could actually extend your life! To find a school search Google Maps in your area or review a directory master site like DoJos.com.
5. Swim with dolphins.
Don’t miss your chance to swim with one of the largest mammals in the water! Dolphin swimming programs exist around the world and allow you to experience these wonderful creatures up close. If you are planning a cruise or a visit to Mexico in 2010, check out a dolphin discovery program as a possible excursion or side-trip during your next
vacation!
6. Go to the Olympics.
Every two years world-class athletes compete in a variety of exciting events. Be part of sports history by attending one of the Olympic Games. You can start planning early since the location of the games is determined years in advance. You can choose from the excitement of the winter games (with events like the luge and downhill skiing) or see the thrilling summer games (with events like swimming, track and field and beach volleyball). The summer games are next on tap and will take place in London 2012.
7. Run a marathon.
Running a marathon (or half marathon) can be an enduring challenge that tests both your body and mind. Since it takes months of preparation to complete a marathon, you’ll get the added benefits of increased energy, improved health, increased discipline and time outdoors while you’re training. Here’s a list of upcoming marathons to bookmark.
8. Discover your genealogy.
If your family doesn’t have good genealogy records now’s the time to start them. Start with your parents, grandparents and great grandparents and then use online records to fill out previous generations. Taking part in this activity will help you learn about your ancestors and leave something behind for future generations. Check out FamilySearch.org and get researching, who knows, you may have a President or movie star in your family tree you can never knew existed.
9. Attend Comic-Con in San Diego.
Comic-Con is a yearly international popular arts convention held each July in San Diego, California. What started as a small comics convention in 1970 has evolved into a multimedia convention showcasing graphic novels, television, movies and related pop-culture arts. In addition to the presentations, it’s just as fun to see all of the fans who dress up for the convention! You’ll get the inside scoop on new shows, movies, books and of course comic book memorabilia, and be able to get some great schwag from vendor booths. Tickets sellout a year in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.
10. Learn to ride a horse.
It’s amazing to think that just a few centuries ago, horses were our main method of transportation. Taking horseback riding lessons can give you physical strength, mental challenges and emotional bonding with your horse. Be it Western or Dressage-related disciplines, it’s never too late to saddle-up! Check out Equine Now and search for lesson offerings by state or horse breed.
11. Become multi-lingual.
Whether you want to become fluent or just expand your vocabulary, learning another language can be very rewarding. With online classes, recorded MP3 lessons, private tutors and computer programs, there are more opportunities now than ever before to learn the foreign language of your choice.
12. Visit the wreckage of the Titanic.
The famous ship’s wreckage was found on September 1, 1985 and you can voyage to the bottom of the sea to view it. Deep Ocean Expeditions is the only company that is allowed to give tours. For $40,000 per person, you can explore the grand staircase and the iconic bow of the Titanic.
13. Ride in a hot air balloon.
Hot air balloons transport you safely across open fields, mountain ranges and large bodies of water while giving you the experience of a lifetime. Check out this balloon rides directory to search for hot air balloon tours offered in your area. Share the amazing view with someone you love!
14. Go on a firewalk.
Nothing will make you feel more empowered and in charge than facing your fear and going firewalking. Walking across burning coals takes a lot of courage and mental preparation; participants say it can be life changing! Check out Sundoor.com and see if you can find a seminar or team building firewalk event close to your region.
15. Take part in a Japanese tea ceremony.
This special event in Japanese culture is amazing to behold. The host plans out the details of the tea ceremony precisely, so that everything will be perfect. Japanese culture centers often hold tea ceremonies to introduce Westerners to the practice here in the US, or you could travel to Japan to experience one in its native country. Check out this list of qualified tea ceremony teachers and classes in the US and abroad if just observing the ceremony isn’t your “cup of tea.”
16. Ride a mechanical bull.
Riding a real one is far too dangerous for most people, but everyone should try riding a mechanical bull at least once. Pitchers of beer and country music are optional.
17. Ride the 10 largest roller coasters in the world.
You can choose between the longest roller coasters, highest roller coasters, tallest wooden roller coasters and several other categories. Take your pick! The journey will take several years to complete but think of all of the adventure you’ll have getting from theme park to theme park.
18. Go whitewater rafting.
Whitewater rafting is available in several different states, particularly in Colorado and California. The average person can go rafting almost immediately on most rapids, up to a Class 3, without any prior experience. You can even test yourself against the toughest in Class 4 and 5 rapids all during a 2-3 day trip. Rafting is a great way explore the rugged wilderness from a unique and exciting point of view and is very family-friendly…get wet today!
19. Experience weightlessness.
Most of us won’t get to travel on the next space shuttle mission, but you can still experience weightlessness. A flight on the Zero-G Experience will cost you just under $5000, with 12 to 15 dips into weightlessness in each ride.
20. Go on a long distance train ride.
Riding the rails used to be a way of life and some of America’s most majestic scenery can be seen from the train. Try out Great Smoky Mountain Railroad through North Carolina or the Napa Valley Wine Train in California.
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Elaine, I agree. How would the average person afford these luxuries? 40K for a titanic tour and 5K to defy gravity. My family vacations consist of camping and 3 day weekend trips to Jersey where we splurge on a cannoli, or ferry ride to NYC to see the Statue of Liberty. Perhaps with the sponsor advertising, this bucket list trip could become a contest that someone could win?
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