Is thinking about death the secret to a happy life? For those who have a bucket list, it might be.
The concept behind a bucket list is to accomplish specific tasks and experiences before you “kick the bucket.” And having a bucket list offers several benefits, including bringing you closer to your values and helping you reach important goals.
If you’re ready to start ticking items off your own bucket list, try these 10 unforgettable experiences for a life well lived.
- Skiing or Snowboarding
There’s nothing like gliding down a snowy slope on your skis or snowboard. The speed, the view, the fun—it’s worth adding this to your bucket list, even if you’ve never tried skiing or snowboarding.
Beginners can still try the bunny slope, which is less intimidating than regular slopes.
- Taking a Trip on a Yacht
Yachts are often equated with status and money, but you don’t have to be rich to enjoy a trip on a yacht.
Hop on a yacht next time you travel somewhere new. A private yacht dinner party is a perfect way to relax while enjoying the views of a new city. Even if yacht trips don’t become a habit, it’s worth treating yourself to one at least once.
- Standing Front Row at Your Favorite Band’s Concert
Imagine your favorite band or singer, who you love singing and dancing to in your kitchen. Now, imagine being mere feet away from them, singing and dancing to their songs from the front row of their concert.
Front-row concert tickets can be expensive, and you may think the splurge isn’t worth it. But just once, for your favorite musician, try grabbing front-row seats for a truly unforgettable experience.
- Taking a Helicopter Tour
Life is short, and sometimes you don’t have time to fully explore a new city or area on foot. And even if you do have the time, nothing beats the perspective you get from a helicopter tour.
A helicopter tour is a spectacular way to understand the geography of an area from a bird’s-eye view. You can see famous sights and streets from high up in the sky, taking in the entire city in a short amount of time.
- Treating Yourself to a Spa Day
Some people visit their local spa for one or two favorite treatments, while some never go to spas at all. No matter which category you fall under, a full, no-limits spa day will have you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed like never before.
Find a luxurious spa in your town, and give yourself permission to book all the services you’ve ever wanted to try.
- Staying in a Hotel Room With a View
Hotel rooms can be costly, especially if you opt for a high-class suite with a view. Just once in your life, try booking a room all the way at the top of a swanky hotel.
Make sure it has a good view of the city or area you’re in. Even if it’s expensive, it’ll pay for itself in the amazing memories and photos you’ll have after.
- Hiring a Private Chef
Almost everyone treats themselves to a takeout meal sometimes, but why not upgrade to a private chef instead?
Even if only for a day or a single meal, add this experience to your bucket list. Request your favorite foods just the way you like them, without having to worry about spending hours in the kitchen.
- Going Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one of the top thing to do for animal enthusiasts. But whether you’re an animal lover or not, everyone should try horseback riding at least once.
Riding on the back of a horse can be both exhilarating and soothing. And it’s a valuable lesson in the importance of understanding and compassion between humans and animals.
If you’ve never tried horseback riding before, take an assisted lesson with a professional first. You can also go on horseback riding tours in places like beach resorts, which are also usually beginner friendly.
- Snorkeling or Diving
Some of your bucket list items may involve seeing the world from up high, such as in a helicopter or in a high-up hotel room. But sometimes, it pays to go deeper and closer to the ground instead.
That’s where snorkeling or diving comes in. Diving involves plunging deep into the water, while snorkeling is an easier and shallower alternative. Either way, you get to see the world from an entirely different perspective, taking in the vast wildlife that exists under the sea.
- Studying the Sky
Spending time studying the sky should be on everyone’s bucket list, and it doesn’t have anything to do with textbooks and note-taking.
The sky is always there, though many of us take it for granted. To combat this, an experience where you focus on the sky can be surprisingly life changing.
Imagine going to a dark desert at night, where you can pass hours gazing up at the Milky Way. Or consider taking a trip up north, where you can view the aurora borealis phenomenon.
Plan an intentional stargazing experience, and give it its own spot on your bucket list.
What Unforgettable Experiences Will You Try?
Unforgettable experiences make life worth living. And creating a bucket list can help you accomplish as many of these experiences as possible.
Try these 10 experiences, and brainstorm others that you’d like to add to your bucket list. Then, start tackling your list to make the most out of life before you kick the bucket one day.
Looking for more exciting experiences? Check out our entertainment articles for inspiration!
