Throughout your life, there will be moments you will remember forever. Many of these moments may happen while travelling. Experiences you have, people you meet, or things you learn. These experiences could change you a little, or change you a lot. They might even change your life completely. That is why we travel. These are some of the experiences that consistently awe and inspire travellers.

Getting lost in the weird and wonderful culture of Japan

Where: Tokyo

There is no place in the world like Japan. Bright neon streets that never seem to stop moving heave beside traditional towns of old streets where samurai once walked and where geisha still do. Japan is a country of extraordinary contrasts and where things can sometimes get a little strange. It is, after all, a country known for karaoke bars, sumo wrestling, and a robot restaurant. Japan truly is an experience like no other.

Wild camping in Norway

Where: Almost anywhere

There is a law in Norway called allemannsretten(loosely translated to ‘right to roam’)that allows you to camp almost anywhere in the open country for free and without the need for permission if it is on wild land away from homes. Being able to wander deep into the heart of nature and pitch your tent on the edge of a mountain overlooking the famous fjords is guaranteed to be the best camping trip of your life.

Take cooking classes in Italy

Where: Tuscany

If there is one good reason to travel, it is food. And learning to cook real Italian lasagne and make your own pasta from scratch while staying in a 16^thcentury villa amongst the vineyards of Tuscany is at the top of the list of best experiences. A holiday in Northern Italy is a romantic way to spend quality time with your love or a great way to spoil yourself with a week of sensational wine, authentic Italian cuisine, and charming company.

Road tripping through California in the United States

Where: California

With its wide open roads that inspire dreamers and captivate wanderers seeking freedom and the thrill of the unknown, there is no doubt that the USA is home to some of the best road trips in the world. The Pacific Coast Highway is a particularly spectacular 1000km+ route that starts at the top of California and ends at the bottom. It passes through famous cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and is best done during the warmer months in a convertible. If there is one road trip you need to do at least once, this is it.

All the madness and magic of India

Where: Everywhere

India is a dream destination for many travellers for a good reason. It is a sensory extravaganza and country of immense spirituality that will show you a culture and country unlike anything you have ever seen before. From the ethereal calm of the Himalayas, backwater beauty of Kerala, and chaos of Mumbai, a trip to India is an experience that will get under your skin, excite your senses, and quite possibly, change your life.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Canada

Where: The Yukon

The Aurora Borealis (more commonly known as the northern lights) is a dancing light phenomena that has captured the imaginations of people all around the world for centuries. The Inuit of Alaska believed the lights were the spirits of the animals they hunted, while other aboriginal peoples believed they were the spirits of their ancestors. The mysticism surrounding the lights and their unpredictable nature make witnessing the northern lights a truly otherworldly experience that is worth the effort of travelling to the frigid far north.

Swimming with Whale Sharks in Mozambique

Where: Bazaruto Archipelago or Tofo Beach

Some of the greatest experiences in the world are hidden beneath the ripples of the ocean. Swimming with whale sharks off the coast of Mozambique is one of these experiences. Whale sharks can grow up to 12 metres long, but despite their formidable size, they are known as ‘gentle giants’. Swimming beside these enormous creatures is an equally serene and sublime experience that should be on every bucket list.

Camping in the Sahara Desert

Where: Morocco

Nothing can prepare you for spending a night in the Sahara Desert. Surrounded by sand dunes and the great African skies, a camping trip in the Sahara Desert is a once in a lifetime experience. A camel trek will get you to a sprawl of traditional Bedouin tents in the heart of the desert where you will drink sweet tea by candlelight, sleep in a traditional Bedouin tent, and wake up to a dazzling sunrise over the dunes.

Volcano surfing in Nicaragua

Where: León

There are many extreme adventures out there that will get your blood rushing and be a great addition to any bucket list, but surfing down the side of an active volcano that could erupt any moment is probably the most extreme. Volcano surfing can only be done in two places in the world, but Cerro Negro, the youngest volcano in Central America, has a surreal lunar landscape that makes the experience truly awesome.

Setting foot on all seven continents

Where: Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Australia, Antarctica

This is one of the holy grails of travel experiences. The urge to move and see the world is what drives many travellers. It’s the curiosity about people and places, and what other parts of the world look like, sound like, and feel like. To see the world is an incredible journey, and it begins with setting foot on all seven continents.

Quote: I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.

Let us know which experiences you’ve ticked off your bucket list in the comments section below!