So what is a bucket list? It is quite simply translated as ‘things to do before your die’. This, of course, differs for everyone, since we all have different things we want to experience. However, there are a few activities that would be life-changing moments for us all. From swimming with sharks to doing a bungee jump here are some things you shouldn’t miss of your list.
Come Face To Face With Sharks
The big daddy of this activity has to be cage-diving with Great Whites. Getting into the water with one of the world’s most intimidating predators is not for the faint-hearted. Whilst you are protected by a cage, the experience is still hair-raising as this video demonstrates. Some of the best places in the world to see this renowned man eater are Seal Island in South Africa, Isla de Guadalupe in Mexico and Farallon Islands in California.
If this all (understandably) seems a bit much, you can also dive with non-threatening sharks in some aquariums. London Sea Life Aquarium offers the chance to swim with impressive 2.7 m long Sand Tiger Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks and Brown Sharks.
Bungee Jump
The thought of this is quite literally terrifying to me and if you similarly have a fear of heights you’re likely to have the same reaction. But imagine the sense of freedom and adrenaline rush! The only issue would probably be to get yourself to jump!
The most renowned hot spot for bungee jumping has to be New Zealand. The Kawarau Bridge Bungee is one of the most famous bungee jumps in the world and is something not to be missed by any adrenaline junky. It is situated 47m above the Kawarau River, resulting in an extremely wet landing.
Visit an Indigenous Tribe
In our Facebook and celebrity obsessed world it is hard to imagine living completely removed from any form of technology or modern influence. However, thousands of people around the world live in indigenous tribes that have managed to remain unchanged over the centuries. Spending time with such a tribe is a powerful experience that can remind you of how materialistic our society has become.
Indigenous tribes can be found all over the world from Brazil to Australia and each has their own unique traditions and rituals. Many tribes invite tourists to visit them, but it is still important to respect them and their way of life and to try to be as unobtrusive as possible. This article from Responsible Travel has some useful tips to help you ensure that the trip is beneficial for both you and them.
View the Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis is one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, and something that adorns many a bucket list. It is caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the Earth’s atmosphere and result in a beautiful array of moving colours including pink, green, red and violet.
‘Northern Lights’ are best viewed in the Northern or Southern hemispheres, as they occur close to the magnetic poles. The best places to holiday if you’re desperate to see them are the north-western parts of Canada, Iceland, Greenland, the northern coast of Norway and Siberia. Some hotels will offer to wake you up if the lights are spotted.
See the Largest Animal on Earth
Seeing the largest animal on Earth is not something to be missed off your bucket list. Not only do Blue Whales hold the current heavy weight title, but they are also believed to be the largest animal ever. This isn’t surprising with them weighing in at around 200 tonnes, and measuring around 30 metres long. Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant!
The largest surviving population of blue whales live off the North coast of America. In August/September the whales migrate to feed in the Monterey Canyon off California, making this the best time and place to see them. However, the exact timing of the migration depends on fluctuations in krill levels. Monterey Bay Whale Watch offer trips to see them. And you are also in with a chance of seeing Killer Whales, Blue Whales and Humpback Whales.
Having a bucket list is a good way to ensure that you actually do all those amazing things you say you will. Whilst the activities mentioned in this article are some of the most popular (and incidentally my favourite), you will also have your own ideas. So what would you put on your list? Let us know in the comments.
A travel writer for Hotelopia – I love skiing and snowboarding but I hate the unavoidable goggle tan.
