Around 5 years ago I set out on a mission to complete my bucket list, you know those lists of things you should do before you ‘kick the bucket’? Thankfully I have managed to complete the original list, but I ended adding a heap more stuff, so it could very well prove to be an ongoing thing. I wanted to share 5 of the best experiences which I have had so far, and explain why you need them on your bucket list if they aren’t on it already.
Mountain Gorillas
Gorilla trekking in Uganda was one of the most amazing experiences which I have had since starting this challenge. More than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas call Uganda their home, and you can get super close to these magnificent beasts. The scenery along the way is as impressive as the gorillas themselves, and I cannot recommend this enough.
Machu Picchu
I didn’t have all of the World’s Seven Wonders on my list, but Machu Picchu was one which had intrigued me for years. I opted not to take the Inca Trail, which leads you on a 4 day trek through Incan ruins before summiting Machu Picchu, but I did walk the last leg. There are busses but walking the mountain can be done in an hour and a half, and waiting at the top is something truly special. This ancient city is everything that I dreamed it would be and it should be at the top of your bucket list, a fascinating place.
Gamble in Vegas
Now, I am not a gambler by any stretch of the imagination, but placing some bets in the mecca of gambling was something that I couldn’t resist. Vegas is a brilliant place to go to for a vacation, and the neon lights and ostentatious hotels will simply blow you away. I know nothing about gambling, but there were plenty of croupiers on hand to help, and I even managed to win some money.
Wildebeest
The great wildebeest migration is probably one of the most spectacular shows that nature could ever put on. This is a migration of over 1 million wildebeest, who travel throughout Kenya and Tanzania in search for wetlands. Depending on the time of year, the wildebeest will be at different places and if you can get there before them then you will be able to see this huge swathe of animals arrive in the space of just a few hours. A truly memorable experience.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon which can be found in many countries around the arctic circle. This is a natural light show which is caused because of reactions in the air, the result of which is dancing colors and light particles which bounce through the air. I was fortunate enough to see this in Iceland, but you could also see them in Norway, Denmark and even in some Scottish locations.
There is always a first time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland with timing, luck, and planning. You’ll also find many wonderful things to do while waiting (and staying warm) for the lights to show up at night, including celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas, in Iceland.