We have compiled a comprehensive list of the ultimate top travel experiences that will change your life.

Read on and see which ones you want to add to your bucket list.

 

1. Experience The Northern Lights

Go on a great expedition to marvel at the greens, blues, reds, purples, and pinks of the Northern Lights.

The best place to see the Northern Lights is anywhere as far north as possible, away from a human-populated area where light pollution is rife. The closer you are to the Arctic Circle, the higher your chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

You will be able to access this natural phenomenon from Alaska, Greenland, Iceland, the Yukon, and Scandinavia. 

You should visit in September or October during an Equinox. You will also be able to avoid the extreme cold during these months. But you still want to ensure you have all the proper gear to keep warm!

 

2. Volunteer in India

Volunteering abroad can be truly life-changing. Many 3rd-world countries require help in the aftermath of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. And many countries just need some human intervention to improve people’s lives in the community.

Fully immerse yourself in the local culture in India and do some social and community building.

In India, there are many opportunities to teach and care for children, empower women, help people with disabilities, provide healthcare services, and do some general community development work.

There are many reasons to volunteer abroad, including gaining life experience, engaging with a new culture and community, focusing your energy on helping others, and making a difference in the world.

 

3. Backpacking South-East Asia

To many of us, traveling solo can seem incredibly scary and daunting, but it can also lead you to develop a greater sense of independence and determination.

Places like South-East Asia are set up for solo travelers. And you will meet and connect with plenty of other people on the same path as you.

Travel solo to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, or Laos to truly find yourself. You will experience a new sense of freedom in doing so.

Just remember to plan far ahead and ensure you have everything you need to protect yourself on a backpacking trip.

 

4. Travel Off-The-Grid to Zambia

Drag along your loved ones to a safari in Zambia where you can completely detach from technology and the stress of your daily life challenges.

Connect with nature and appreciate it in all its glory somewhere remote and wild. Take a walking safari with a guided tour company or a safari lodge in Zambia. 

The Liuwa Plain National Park gives you ample opportunity to disconnect for a bit and return to your own world feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

 

5. Get Spiritual in Tokyo

Japan is a beautiful country rich with interesting spiritual ceremonies for you to engage with.

In Tokyo specifically, you can explore traditional Japanese culture. Discover yourself and do some intense self-reflection and healing at Buddhist temples. 

Participate in or observe traditional tea ceremonies. And maybe give martial arts and calligraphy lessons a try to learn about another culture.

An important tip is to be aware of any dress codes and necessary offerings when visiting a spiritual venue or participating in a Japanese cultural experience.

 

6. Embrace the Adrenaline in New Zealand

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Or simply someone searching for an exciting and invigorating travel experience?

If you answered, “yes”, then bungee jumping in New Zealand should be on your bucket list. This adrenaline-packed activity has been known to reduce anxiety, help with mood regulation, and give the jumper an elevated sense of euphoria for an extended period after bungee jumping.

New Zealand is the home to the first ever organized bungee jump, which consisted of 28 people. 

So, join these risk-takers in Queenstown where you can leap into the stunning scenery of the Southern Alps.

 

7. See Penguins in Antarctica

Global warming is affecting many amazing and vital ecosystems in the world. And Antarctica is one of them.

Before it’s too late, we highly recommend taking a commercial flight or a cruise from South America to one of the wildest spots on the planet.

Not only can you experience relatively unspoiled nature, but you can also camp, sea kayak, swim in hot springs, and visit penguins and other indigenous creatures.

 

8. Get Wet at the Great Barrier Reef

Another ecosystem feeling the effects of global warming and carbon pollution is the biodiverse Great Barrier Reef.

If you’re a lover of all things related to the sea, you’ll certainly want to take a trip to Queensland, Australia to snorkel or scuba dive among the aquatic fauna and flora.

Off the Queensland coast, you will find the expansiveness of the largest coral reef system in the world. Swim among turtles, dolphins, fish, and colorful corals in this vast underwater ecosystem.

 

9. Hike to One of the Seven World Wonders

Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan City, deserves its place on the Seven Wonders of the World list. It’s a truly spectacular and indescribable archaeological site located in Peru.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys being active on your adventures, you won’t want to miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

There are 3 trail options that differ in difficulty and length. The Classic Inca Trail hike has a moderate difficulty level and takes place over 3 days. 

You’ll be hiking 24-26 miles overall, so make sure to stay hydrated and well-fed, dress in layers to accommodate for the weather changes, and bring insect repellent and remedies for altitude sickness.

 

10. Get Close to Orangutans in Borneo

Seeing exotic oranugtans up close is a really special experience and there isn't anywhere better in the world than Borneo.