Travel for me is not merely about destinations, it is more about experiences associated with it. It’s about watching something unfold in front of me that I had read or seen in photos. It is about being part of a place, learning its stories, connecting with the culture, and making my own memories there.
Idea of having a bucket list is not to prioritise these destinations, it’s just a motivator to keep travelling, chasing that excitement associated with it and being amazed when it comes true (whenever it might be).
Andaman wouldn’t have been what it was for me had I not done diving there, or Amsterdam won’t be what it is to me if I were not cycling around the city. One thing that 2020 taught me is that time is precious. And most of the travels I do are carefully hand picked based on my situation.
I am not sure if I will be able to cross off all the places in my bucket list. They are not places that are in my close proximity or are easy on the pocket. But I have made it a point to save a few of the most breathtaking ones I have come across on the web, and use them as my personal inspiration to travel more.
Scuba Diving at Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is an archipelago of thousands of small islands in Indonesia just off the western coast of Papua meaning it’s closer to Australia than Jakarta.
It is known as one of the most biodiverse locations on the planet, and diving there is just a dream. This has been on my bucket list since I got my scuba diving license and started following more scuba divers. This caught my eye because of how stunning and serene all the photos look – shades of all kinds of blue waters and colorful and rich marine life.
It is another story how to travel to this hidden paradise, so it will be a dream come true if I am able to get there.
Hiking in Norway
First time I got to know about Norweign Fjords was when I looked at unbelievable photos of people standing on small boulders hanging between mountains. That surely looked like an adventure I want to try on.
Then I read about Bergen, how it provides a base for hiking around, heavenly views from fjords compassed with different shapes of mountains and waterfalls. I want to experience the nature in one of its unique forms in between the rugged mountains and white beaches of Lofoten islands.
The most tricky part about planning a trip here is the weather. There are hardly 2-3 months that the weather is suitable for hiking. But the good side is that the sorrounding infrastructure makes it easier for everyone to travel. There is an extensive network of marked trails, ranging across any difficulty level, and accommodation options even in the most isolated places!
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
This is the world’s largest salt flat, or the world’s largest reflecting surface during the rainy season. During the dry months (May to November), the vast terrain appears as an endless patchwork of beautiful and intricate shapes, white as the Arctic. But when I want to go there is during the light rain season, when the ground becomes a mirror giving the sensation of travelling across the sky.
Imagine being there after sunset, and watching all those stars shining on the ground. This place unlike many others is in my list purely for the breathtaking spectacle I hope it offers.
Skating on natural ice
Ice skating has been a personal favourite activity since my childhood. I had done it indoors many times, and then first time skated on an outdoor rink in Amsterdam. I love the feel of gliding through ice in different motions, and the adrenaline that it gives.
All I can imagine is how it would be to skate on those frozen lakes amidst forests, natural landscapes or on the frozen canals between dutch houses. It is a rare phenomenon, that last happened in 2018, so lets see if it will happen again soon. Alot of Northern European countries have an easy access for this, just have to find an opportunity to face those cold winds.
Amalfi coast, Italy
How Italy fits in my bucket list is how pizzas would fit in my weekly menu, trying a different flavour every now and then! This is a country that I have no plans of rushing through. I enjoy the luxury of being able to plan just 1 or 2 cities at a time, taking my time to absorb the beauty, architecture and trying out as much local food I possibly can. Oh and gelatos!
This exquisite coastline is a tourist hotspot, but rightly so. My plan is to enjoy the glistening beaches, walking along the hills, sitting at cute restaurants, and if possible timing it so to avoid the peak tourist crowd.
Biking without biking, Ladakh
This is an entry that entered my list after it was crossed off. I had no idea the adventure I was signing up for, would be one of the best experiences of my life. I biked down the mountains in the remote land maneuvering my way through cold breeze, steep curves, and deep valleys.
It was about 40kms ride starting at Khardungla Pass (highest motorable road in the world) down the slopes till Leh (the capital) just pushing the brakes the entire time, and enjoying the views around me.
Christmas at Lapland
Lapland is known as the homeland of Santa, and is adorned with the most beautiful decorations during winters. It is a remote village in the northern most tip in Finland, and winters there would be like a paradise. Nothing but snow covered forests, reindeer rides, igloos, and magical views of northern lights.
I have only seen photos and just that is enough to inspire me to go this far and experience this place by myself!
Swimming with turtles, Maui
Another diving/beach entry in the list! I admit I haven’t got much variety here, yet!
There are lots of places where you can go underwater with turtles or other marine animals like sharks, but Hawaii is definitely on top of my list because of its exquisite beaches and tropical vibes. And need to confess, that I first read about it on one of my favorite bloggers website and got mesmerised by how she had captured the beauty of the place!
I don’t intend to tick all these places soon. It takes a lot of planning, budgeting, and taking out time from my full time job. I also try to optimise my expenses and holidays in a way to go to more places closer to me, than going on one holiday half way across the world.
But I do hope to experience all of it some day, and possible add many more experiences and places to this list. And till then, keep dreaming!!