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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I love to do all but need lot of money ..:)
What about Ménage à trois?
Great article!
Actually I already did some of the listed activities!
these are very perfect but what if you live in a country where absolutely there’sn’t any of the above facilities?
Make a phone call to your mom and dad and say I love you…that’s an experience!
Hope one day, i achieve all these. I also love to do Underwater swimming in Oceans and Scatting in Switzerland before i die.
nice! i’d wanna visit Comic-Con for once before i die.
I think some historical places should be added like Persepolis,Egypt,or any other…or some other natural views like niagara waterfall.
waaaaw… i’ve done 15 of those !!
I really enjoyed reading these. I will definitely plan to do this one by one!
More over to achieve these is very much possible and I have done some of it and enjoyed to the extent.
I’m ready to get started!
I wrote a similar list when I turned twenty. Mine had ten items. I turned thirty yesterday and I have done some but not all of my listed items. I’ve even done some more fanstatic stuff than what I considered great back then. This write up came on the day I was going to write another list. So Here’s what I feel about this list:
No. 1, I live close by, will visit anytime, I take it for granted that it’s just a few hundred miles away.
No. 2 is on my list. I’m even losing weight for it.
No. 3 tried it had no patience for it, will try again.
No. 4 been there broke my back, retired from it.
No. 5 Got there, left swimsuit in the hotel, sat at pool edge instead
No. 6 will definately start planning for from now.
No. 7 No. Just NO.
No. 8 have known since I was eight and can trace back to the 15th century on my mother’s side.
No. 9 if there’s a plus sized super hero I can dress up as, why not?
No. 10, Horses are to admired.
N0. 11 working on it, check my facebook page
N0. 12 too expensive!
No. 13 Still on my list.
No. 14 Hell No!
No.15 checking the net now, booking one.
No. 16 will think about it.
No. 17 I’ll consult my travel buddy Beatrice and get back to you.
No. 18 Travel buddy said No!
No. 19 At the very top of my list for this decade
No. 20 All planned and ready to go for next year’s vacation. Travel buddy in tow.
Anyone else think they had linked to the blog ‘things white people like’ ?
Lists like these are trite, predictable, and embarrassing.
I think that experiencing masquerade parties is a must, too. Probably in Italy or something.
Take part in a Japanese tea ceremony? Top 10? Who ARE you?
Been there, done most of those. At least the ones that interest me. Comic-con? I wouldn’t go unless paid – a lot! Roller coasters? After doing aerobatics in a plane, roller coasters are a joke. Martial arts, was an instructor and owned the largest school in Arizona. Another language? Does English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese count?
But, to be fair, I’m 67 and have had more time for those things than most. So don’t give up, do what you dream.
I’m ready to get started!
“Sky-diving is the closest we humans will come to taking flight (at least right now”
…ummm, no it’s not. Paragliding is. (Not parasailing, paragliding.)
21. rock climbing.
Every person?
Way to shoot for the stars. I drink tea daily but a Japanese tea party sounds like it would blow.
What would be the benefit?
Some of these seem stupid.
1. Go on an African Safari. OK maybe.
2. Go sky-diving. Yes!
3. Learn to play an instrument. Did it.
4. Take up a martial art. Did it!
5. Swim with dolphins. I haven’t quite swum with them.
6. Go to the Olympics. The Olympics is bullshit!
7. Run a marathon. No! I ran 8km today and that is enough. Some people aren’t ever going to be distance runners.
8. Discover your genealogy. My grandparents did that and it was interesting.
9. Attend Comic-Con in San Diego. Maybe.
10. Learn to ride a horse. No.
11. Become multi-lingual. Yes!
12. Visit the wreckage of the Titanic. It simply isn’t feasible for 6 billion people to visit but it would be interesting.
13. Ride in a hot air balloon. Yes!
14. Go on a firewalk. No! Why would any sane individual opt to do that?
15. Take part in a Japanese tea ceremony.
16. Ride a mechanical bull. Nah.
17. Ride the 10 largest roller coasters in the world. Ok.
18. Go whitewater rafting. Yes!
19. Experience weightlessness. Yes!
20. Go on a long distance train ride.
This article is just retarded. There are many wonderful things in life and if one doesn’t learn to cherish the simple things, he/she will never get any satisfaction from swimming with the dolphins or anything else from this idiotic list. So what if you do all of these and then at the very last moment you remember how for example, you never had a chance or will to tell your loved ones “I love you”? There you are, taking the very last breath, alone and forgotten. I think all of these would suddenly become irrelevant. Life is what you make of it, and no material value can make it better. C’mon, RIDING THE MECHANICAL BULL?!?!?! What sort of an inbred hilbilly wrote this article anyway?
heres my top list of things i have already done in order from experience
1)scuba dive with bull sharks
2) sky diving
3)world highest bungee(bloukrans bridge south africa 216m 708 feet)
4) walk in the African bush with the dangerous 9
5)cage dive with a great white
6)zip line threw the jungle canopy of the Honduran rainforest
7)going to yellow stone national park
8)skiing fresh powder down a double black diamond in the rocky s
9)going to a big sports or music concert
10)climbing a mountain
11)playing with cheetah cubs
12) go wine tasting
13) college party
14)riding a roller coster
15)jet sking
16)para sailing
17)paint balling
18)rollerblading in a skate park
19)surfing
20)horseback riding
Wow Mark ,’trite’ ‘predictable’ and ‘embarrassing.’ Certainly these are words that would describe your egocentric post, but not this list. Go back to drowning puppies and stop taking things so seriously.
You can *rank* these items according to which you think is your favourite over at Listiki.com – for example my list’s at http://listiki.com/things-you-should-do-before-you-die/dimitristi
Long distance train rides… are just awful except in Europe. Trust me.
The dolphin thing is kinda gross frankly (i have done it)… and after watching the documentary the Cover you won’t want to promote it.
the mechanical bull is for watching hot girls, not for riding yourself (unless you are a hot girl)
I’ve done the all but the Titanic… and a few more to boot… and let me say you can do them all pretty much in one place — New Zealand. Except I recommend the tea ceremony in Kyoto in the Spring during bamboo shoot season… yummy.
WOW!Cool.. I should go for option#11 (Become multi-lingual.), This one affordable for me! nyway thnx for the post. cheers!
Uma viagem de navio,voar em um caça,Se apaixonar,Assistir um jogo de futebol,dar uma volta ao mundo,andar a cavalo,Conhecer Deus!!!!!!!
My goodness.
I’m with Mark. As far as most of these listed suggestions, “trite” is a bang-on adjective, -along with “shallow” and “borderline commercial”.
“Ride the 10 largest roller coasters in the world” actually made me laugh. Aside from three or four quite decent exceptions, these are merely *touristy thrillz* for monkeys with car keys. Give your head a shake.
See the Titanic.. oh yeah.. You might as well wait for the James Cameron movie.
I think it’s quite trite, but most are instantaneous, requiring little investment of time, just money.
Well, I’ve got one on that list. Guess I’d better get busy.
I would like to go to the African Safari at least once in my life….
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Cool listing!
but numbers 1, 2, 4, 14 and 19 sounds more interesting…
nice article thanks
i like to Ride in a hot air balloon.
Superb!This article is creative,tRight here are a Great deal of new idea,it gives me inspiration.I Believe I will also inspired by you and Believe
How about eating on the road side in Kalasipalya, Bangalore, India. Thats No. 21 for me
Really great, practicly explained and Helpful Ideas.
Nice article i like adventure sports.
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mossy
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Unfortunately, you need to have a hell of wealth to do that everything!
A great list though, many thanks!!
Increadible I cannot believe in that
Awesome list. Check out a list of 100 things to do before you die and take the Bucket Quiz at http://www.bucketquiz.com. Enjoy, and thanks for sharing your list.
the author of this list is remarkably privileged if he/she is able to afford all of this…unfortunately most of the people in the world can’t…so this list is basically spoiled brat bullshit
yo soy deprimida …
Boldy
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Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.
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