Sian Victoria © - Mount Qingcheng, Chengdu, China

Why You Should Start Ticking Off Your Travel Bucket List Now

Have you ever dreamed of travelling to exotic destinations, experiencing different cultures, or trying exciting new activities? There has never been a better moment to begin crossing items off your trip wish list. There are countless reasons why you should go on this journey to fulfil your travel dreams.

Not only will it allow you to explore new places and create unforgettable memories, but it can also be a life-altering experience. As someone who has been ticking off destinations and experiences from my travel bucket list, I can confidently say it has been enriching, and I’ve appreciated every moment.

So, let me share with you the benefits of ticking off your travel bucket list now, and I'll also take you through some of my own experiences that I've crossed off my list.

1. Learning How to Deal with the Unpredictably of Life

Life is unpredictable, so it's important to start checking off travel destinations from your bucket list sooner rather than later. We have all heard stories or experienced firsthand how circumstances can change quickly, reminding us of the passing opportunities to chase our dreams.

I learned this lesson unexpectedly when planning a trip to Barbados. What was supposed to be a relaxing vacation quickly turned into a race against time due to an unforeseen family emergency. This experience reminded me that we often don't have the luxury of waiting for the 'perfect moment' to explore the world.

While in Barbados, surrounded by its beautiful beaches and friendly locals, I realised that seizing the moment was not just a cliché but a necessary approach to life. If I had postponed the trip, waiting for a more convenient time, I would have missed out on the enriching experiences and the warmth of Caribbean culture that Barbados offered.

Let this be a gentle reminder not to put off your travel aspirations. Life is beautifully unpredictable, and it's in our best interest to embrace it fully and explore the world while we can.

2. Opening Your Mind to New Experiences and Cultures

Exploring new cultures can expand your mind and help us understand and appreciate the diversity of human life. My visit to Chengdu, China, was a testament to this. I immersed myself in the heart of Sichuan province and discovered colourful traditions, food, and a way of life that were very different from mine.

The lively markets, with their spices and teas, were a feast for the senses. Traditional Sichuan opera introduced me to the ancient art of face-changing, which left me mesmerised. Conversations with locals were sometimes challenging due to the language barrier, but they were always warm and helpful, offering me a glimpse into their values and daily lives.

This cultural exchange went beyond mere sightseeing in Chengdu; it was an education in empathy, tolerance, and the universal understanding that connects us all. Witnessing the harmony with which Chengdu's modernity intertwined with its rich history reminded me of the complexity and beauty of different cultures, reinforcing the idea that there is so much more to the world than what lies within our own experience.

Sian Victoria © - Tandem Skydive, Las Vegas

3. Allowing for Personal Growth and Development

Travelling to different destinations from your bucket list is not just about having a good time but also helps you grow and develop subtly and profoundly. My trips to California and New York were unexpected learning opportunities.

Visiting California taught me the value of pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. When I tried activities I would typically avoid, I discovered new layers of my personality and capabilities. The city, known for its active nightlife and entertainment, helped me build my confidence and resilience.

On the other hand, New York taught me the value of independence and adaptability. I learned to get around the complex subway system and communicate with people from various cultures, honing my problem-solving skills and enhancing my social awareness.

These cities in the United States provided unique challenges and opportunities, contributing significantly to my growth. Therefore, every trip we take is a step towards becoming more well-rounded, aware, and capable.

4. Creating Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

Travelling is one of the most exciting things you can do because it allows you to create extraordinary memories that last a lifetime. Every new place I visit is more than just a checkmark on my list; it's a collection of moments I'll cherish forever.

For example, during my stay in Paphos, Cyprus, I enjoyed watching the sunset over ancient ruins, which left a lasting impression on me as I took a moment alone on the balcony to appreciate the hard work it took me to get there. The warmth of the locals and the delicious taste of Greek food, accompanied by lovely views and company, made it an experience I still smile about, even years later.

Similarly, my time in Almería, Spain, was an exciting adventure that felt like a completely different world. Exploring the vast deserts and hidden coves with my long-term partner was a cherished experience that turned an ordinary European holiday into a series of memorable highlights.

These experiences, unique to each destination, are the stories I share with others and hold dear to my heart. They remind me of the happiness and fulfilment that travel brings into our lives.

5. Educational Experiences You’ll Never Learn in a Classroom

The educational value of travel is often underestimated. I distinctly remember my time in Italy, where every cobblestone, ancient ruin, and active piazza offered a live history lesson far more engaging than any textbook could provide. I also learned valuable lessons on avoiding tourist scams and traps in Rome, something you can never be fully prepared for.

Similarly, my trek through Arizona's Grand Canyon taught me about geological formations and the cultural heritage of the Native American tribes in a way that no classroom lecture ever could. Corsica served as a lesson in the difficult balance between appreciating modern development and the importance of maintaining natural beauty, with its green natural parks and beautiful Genoese towers.

Each destination provided a unique chapter in my ongoing education, teaching me profound and practical lessons. Through travel, I gained insights into diverse ecosystems, historical times, and cultural practices, deepening my understanding of the world in a hands-on manner. This kind of education stays with you, changing how you see the world and your place.

6. Contributing to Global Understanding and Peace

Exploring the world can help bridge gaps between cultures and promote a sense of global understanding and peace. My travels to Barcelona, Spain and Dubrovnik, Croatia, have highlighted the importance of such cultural exchanges.

During my visit to Barcelona, I engaged with the locals and learned fascinating stories about Catalonian culture and history. I discovered the Montserrat Mountains, which I didn't even know existed before these pleasant conversations. I then visited it to find a peaceful monastery in the peaks high above this beautiful part of Spain, not far from the lively Costa Daurada.

Through these interactions, I saw firsthand how travel promotes mutual respect and knowledge. Conversations over Spanish tapas and shared laughter with new friends illuminated common human values that surpass the barriers of language or background.

Similarly, Dubrovnik's main attraction, the city walls, is full of a history of resilience amidst past conflicts. Walking through the ancient walls, I couldn't help but reflect on how places infused with a history of turmoil can emerge as signals of hope and unity.

Through these experiences, I've realised that every interaction and shared smile contributes to a more extensive global understanding. These moments highlight how travel can be a force for good, encouraging us to look beyond our differences and work towards a more peaceful world.

Travel Experiences I've Ticked Off My Bucket List

Sian Victoria © - SAWA Santorini Animal Welfare Association, Greece

In 2015, I accomplished some things on my never-ending bucket list, making it seem impossible to beat. However, in 2016, I exceeded my expectations by achieving more and further stepping out of my comfort zone.

This included skydiving in Las Vegas, trekking mountains in China, studying abroad in a foreign classroom, and exploring an active volcano in Santorini. If you want to learn more about my top travel experiences from 2016, keep reading and watch my travel video at the end.

Chengdu, China

Last July, I had the opportunity to spend two fantastic weeks in Chengdu. My partner and I have talked about visiting Asia together since we met a decade ago, so this was a dream come true for me. However, I went there alone as part of the International Exchange Camp with other UK students. At first, travelling solo seemed scary, but it was a great experience that gave me the independence and confidence I needed.

When I arrived in China, some kind and caring students from Sichuan University welcomed and looked after us, especially when we crossed the busy roads around Tianfu Square. This certainly made us more grateful for England's safer roads, as many students found them stressful to cross as there were many near misses. One of the trip's highlights was hiking Mount QingCheng, which was exhausting but worth it. When we reached the top, it was terrific to see how far we had come. To me, it's without doubt one of the best places in the world to hike, as it's full of temples, waterfalls, and lush plants.

Overall, visiting China was an unforgettable experience that made me want to explore more of Asia, especially the beautiful sanctuaries home to wildlife like Wenshu Monastery.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a place that I've wanted to visit for the past three years after learning about Santorini Animal Welfare Association (SAWA) by following Oli Sykes and Hannah Pixie Snowden on Instagram. They had volunteered at the shelter and adopted a dog from there. Since I love animals and Santorini is a stunning Greek Island, I felt compelled to visit and volunteer at the shelter. I used to get up early every morning to see the rising sun from our hotel's rooftop. It was an exhilarating way to start the day, and I would then go to the shelter to volunteer for the morning.

Despite some of the dogs' anxiety, they were friendly and welcoming, greeting me with huge smiles and wagging tails. They loved all the attention they received from volunteers, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of volunteering. I'm not one to get dirty, but I didn't care then because sitting on the floor and playing with these homeless dogs who wanted to be loved was so much fun. It was sad leaving on my last day, thinking I would never see their faces again, but I'm happy knowing that some of the dogs have been adopted since then, which is fantastic.

Another incredible moment was going on a boat trip in Santorini. The day we started with hiking on a still-active volcano, followed by swimming in hot sulphur springs, which were a lot of fun. After the swim, we made our way to Thirassia Island for food. The island is home to only 250 residents, but there were undoubtedly more cat and dog residents than humans, which was pretty cool. The boat trip then ended with a fantastic caldera sunset on board. Booking the excursion cost around 30 euros, but it was worth so much more for everything we got to experience and the memories we made.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Since my first visit to Las Vegas in 2015, I have been itching to return because I had the most fantastic time, but a week wasn't long enough. So, in 2016, I went back for ten days. In my "looking back on 2015" post, I mentioned why Las Vegas had stolen my heart. It's somewhere I call my happy place. Some may think Vegas is full of nude chicks, gambling, and booze. Yes, a lot of Vegas is all about that, but it holds so many happy memories for me.

From 2010 to 2015, I spent years hiding away, working hard to promote my online shop. I was constantly swamped during the festival season, so I never got to take time off and go on holiday during the summer. Therefore, I began to fall out of love with running my self-employed business. It made me ill, so I reluctantly had to give it up. Las Vegas was my first holiday after years of hard work, and because I enjoyed it so much, it made me look at life from a different perspective. It taught me to live every day to the fullest.

During our first week, we stayed in a luxurious Vegas hotel, explored both sides of the strip, and visited nearby states, California and Arizona. So, I got to tick off Seligman Route 66, Santa Monica, the Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon off my bucket list. I had never been happier. When I got back home, all I could think about was Nevada. So, as soon as summer came around again, I went on my second holiday to "Fabulous Las Vegas."

I did a tandem skydive this time, which has always been the top of my adrenaline trip must-dos. I also visited the Red Rock Canyon and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. I've created so many unforgettable memories in Vegas. It's a place I will always want to return to because there are so many things I still want to do there, such as visiting Area 51 and the whole of Route 66.

To conclude

As you experience the items on your travel bucket list, it's not just about ticking off new destinations and activities. It's a celebration of life, personal growth, and the extraordinary memories we create. From the lively strip of Las Vegas to the hypnotic sunsets of Santorini, my travels have taught me the importance of living in the moment and appreciating the world’s wonders.

I hope my experiences inspire you to pursue your travel dreams. Remember, there's no better time than the present to explore, learn, and connect with the incredible world around us, so stop putting it off and live your life to the fullest.

*SHOP THE POST

Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? Fuel your wanderlust with must-have travel essentials, from a trusty travel guidebook to keep you on track to a handy travel adapter to stay connected. Don't forget a portable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a lightweight pair of walking shoes for comfortable exploration. Finally, capture every extraordinary moment with a compact camera you can easily carry.