48 Bucket List Ideas to Try and Do Before You Die

Life can get in the way of your dreams. And before you know it, you’ve been swallowed by work and other stuff.

Thus we’ve gathered 48 bucket list ideas you should try and do before you die.

Check them below.

Maria Leonard Olsen

Maria Leonard Olsen

Civil Litigation Attorney | Author

Shed relationships that no longer bring out the best in you

Life is short and time is the one commodity no one can buy. Surround yourself with people who help you become the best version of yourself that you can be. Nurture those relationships.

Stop worrying about what others think about you

What others think is really not your business. You cannot control others anyway.

Write a letter of thanks every Thanksgiving to someone who has made your life better in some way

Send it via regular mail. Letter writing is becoming a lost art.

Do a random act of kindness every day

You will fill your karma bank and make this world a better place.

Interview an elderly relative to increase your knowledge of family history

Record it in some way for those who come after you. Consider doing a DNA test. People are learning shocking things about their ancestry via these increasingly accessible tests.

Visit the part of the world from which your ancestors came

Sample the local fare. Try to talk to as many natives as you can to increase your cultural understanding.

Fiona Adler

Fiona Adler

Founder, Actioned

See the 7 natural wonders of the world

Not sure if this should be one item or seven, but either way, it’s on my list.

This list includes:

  • Aurora Borealis or Nothern Lights (visible from several Scandinavian countries)
  • Mt Everest (borders Nepal / Tibet)
  • The Great Barrier Reef (in Australia)
  • The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
  • The Grand Canyon
  • Paricutin (a volcano in Mexico), and
  • Victoria Falls (borders Zambia and Zimbabwe)

So yes, there’s quite a lot of travel involved but I think it’s a good goal! So far, I’m up to 3.

Camp or hike for a week with no wifi

I’m addicted to my devices so I’m a little scared to try something like this but I also know it would be an amazing experience.

I can hardly imagine just letting my mind roam free without input from the internet! What new thoughts and ideas could I have?

There are still plenty of places without mobile coverage or wifi, so I think I need to force myself to one of them for a long stay!

Paint a picture I’m proud to hang on the wall

In my youth, I loved to paint but I haven’t done any for years because I know it won’t be up to my aesthetic standards.

But of course, I also know that I won’t improve unless I start painting again. I’d love to showcase something in my home that I’d created myself.

Bring family and friends together

Thinking about dying, another bucket list item is to have regular events that bring family and friends together.

Some groups do this naturally, but there are others where no-one has stepped and lead the charge for keeping everyone together.

I’m not talking anything woowoo – just a regular dinner party with a close group of friends, celebrating special occasions with family, or holding an annual party. I want to let the special people in my life know they’re special to me – and this is my way of doing it.

Live in a foreign country

I’m currently doing this now and it’s an experience I’d highly recommend. You’ll be challenged in ways you never expect and come to know yourself in new ways too.

You’ll also learn so much more about your own culture – it’s impossible to see it when you’re in it!

Saurabh Jindal

Saurabh Jindal

CEO, Talk Travel

Watch Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) near the North Pole, in northern Norway, Sweden or Iceland

But this out of the world phenomena can mesmerize you with the way the various colors of light dazzle and illuminate the sky. You are never sure about its timing, but the probability of it happening increases in winters.

Do a skydive

Can you imagine the thrill and the adrenaline flow to fall from the sky at heights of 10000 feet and more? And the fear just before the dive? It would be exhilarating.

Attend Tomorrowland in Belgium

Be a part of the biggest music fest and get lost there. get swarmed as the best in music make you rock to their tunes.

Visit Antarctica

Touch the southernmost continent on the earth. Frolic with the penguins and go for the zodiac rides to explore the continent.

Daniel Ndukwu

Daniel Ndukwu

Founder, KyLeads

There are two major items on my bucket list.

Jumping out of a plane

Last year, I watched a video on YouTube where Will Smith talks about seizing your fear and moving beyond it.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of the fear that’s holding you back.

He used the experience of Skydiving to illustrate his point. Ever since then I’ve wanted to jump out of a plane.

Not because of the thrill but because it’s a way to conquer my fears.

Getting lost in a foreign city with my partner

After getting married, it’s been one responsibility after another. Kids, mortgage, and work have kept us tied down.

When the kids are a bit older and we have more time I’d like to go back to our youthful days and do what we should’ve done. Travel like a nomad, immerse ourselves in a strange culture, and not worry about tomorrow.

Scott MacDonell

Scott MacDonell

Co-Founder, BizCounsel

Visit the top 10 art museums in the world

When I traveled around Europe after college, I had very little money. One day while visiting Paris, I could afford to either have a meal that day or visit a museum – not both. I chose food.

I remember eating my hotdog and pommes frites outside of the Louvre, telling the Mona Lisa that it will have to be another time.

My wife and I just visited Paris, 25 years later, with a little more money in our pockets. We visited all of the museums that I missed the first time around.

That made me think – have I been to the top 10 art museums in the world? Upon looking at a couple of credible lists, I have been to about 7 of them. Three more to go to fulfill my museum bucket list.

Have you visited each of the top 10 art museums in the world (according to Reuters)?

  1. The Louvre, Paris
  2. Vatican Museums, Vatican City
  3. Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
  4. J. Paul Getty Center, Los Angeles
  5. Musee d’Orsay, Paris
  6. Uffizi Gallery, Florence
  7. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
  8. Tate Modern, London
  9. Prado Museum, Madrid
  10. National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

I have a few Bucket Lists: Travel, Professional, Personal/Spiritual.

Travel:

So many trips on my bucket list. Many in Africa (mountain gorillas*, safari*, diving in Seychelles, Spice Island, a political tour of Libya/Tunisia/Egypt, Morocco).

Any diving trip in SE Asia*. Bali with the love of my life. Alaska during the summer. Turkey for a really long time. Back to Sri Lanka.

Diving again in the Indian Ocean. Former Yugoslavian coast. 2-month housesit in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Political tour of Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia/Myanmar. Hiroshima*.

Someplace where I can go topless on the beach and no one cares. New Orleans during Jazz & Heritage Festival*. Macchu Pichu. Diving in the Galapagos. Guayaquil, Quito. Vancouver for along housesit. Too many places in Europe to name, and frankly, diving anywhere!

But, my real dream destination? The moon. Seriously.

Professional:

Publish a book that changes people’s lives*. Get interviewed by Oprah. Help other authors get their books finished and out in the world*. Hit a best-seller list.

Personal/Spiritual:

Relocate to Europe. Marry the man of my dreams. Be the woman of his dreams. Nail manifesting.

* I’ve recently crossed these items off my list!

  1. Go on an international trip with your best friends.
  2. Have an art gallery of my own.
  3. Go for an International Dance competition and win.
  4. Go all around the world, visiting poor countries, and donate basic needs to the needy.
  5. Be a Victoria’s Secret Angel.
  6. Prove my grandmother that even art can earn money in Malaysia.
  7. Smash a phone on the ground really hard.
  8. Eat the World’s most expensive ice cream in Dubai.
  9. Fly an airplane with at least 2 passengers.
  10. Collect 100 toothbrushes (43 more to go!)
  11. Be a successful YouTuber.
  12. Convince my dad to get me a puppy (17 years but still failing).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bucket List?

A bucket list is literally a list of things you want to experience, see, or achieve before you “kick the bucket.” It’s a collection of aspirations, adventures, and bucket-list-worthy activities you want to check off your list before you die.

Why is having a Bucket List important?

A bucket list is a personal collection of experiences or achievements you want to attain or complete in your lifetime. Here are some reasons why having a bucket list is important:

Provides direction: A bucket list gives you a clear sense of purpose and direction. It helps you focus on what’s important to you and prioritize your goals.

Increases motivation: Having a list of exciting and meaningful experiences to look forward to can be a great source of motivation. Crossing items off your list can also be incredibly fulfilling and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Helps you live life to the fullest: A bucket list is all about living life to the fullest and making the most out of your time on earth. You can intentionally create and cherish memorable moments by having a list of experiences you want to have.

Encourages personal growth: Completing bucket list items often requires stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things. This can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.

Provides a sense of legacy: Creating a bucket list and sharing it with others can be a way of leaving a legacy. Your list can inspire others and serve as a reminder to live life fully.

What are some popular Bucket List Ideas?

Travel:
• Visit a certain number of countries or specific destinations 
• Take a trip around the world
• Go on a cruise
• Explore different cultures through food and festivals

Adventure:
• Skydiving
• Bungee jumping
• Surfing
• Hiking to a famous mountain peak
• Whitewater rafting

Personal Growth:
• Learn a new language
• Pick up a new hobby or skill
• Write a book
• Volunteer for a cause close to your heart

Relaxation and Pampering:
• Get a massage or spa day
• Take a hot air balloon ride
• Go on a beach vacation
• Stay in a luxurious hotel or resort

Foodie Experiences:
• Try exotic foods from different countries
• Cook a fancy meal at home
• Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant
• Attend a food and wine festival

How do I create my own Bucket List?

Creating your own bucket list is a great way to set goals, get inspired, and live life to the fullest! Here’s how you can get started:

Get inspired: Think about the things you’ve always wanted to do or places you’ve always wanted to go. It could be anything from skydiving to visiting a specific country.

Set your priorities: Decide what’s important to you and what you want to achieve in your lifetime. This will help you focus on creating a list that truly reflects your goals and aspirations.

Get creative: Don’t be afraid to dream big! Your bucket list should be a reflection of your unique personality, interests, and passions.

Write it down: Put your ideas on paper or in a digital document. Seeing your bucket list written down will make it feel more tangible and real.

Be specific: Instead of writing down “travel the world,” specify which countries or cities you want to visit.

Make it achievable: While it’s okay to include some challenges, balance it with achievable items as well.

Revisit and revise: Your bucket list is a living document and should evolve as you do. Revisit it regularly and make changes as needed.

Remember, a bucket list is all about creating experiences and making memories. So have fun with it, and don’t take it too seriously!

How long should a Bucket List be?

When it comes to creating a bucket list, there’s no set length or a number of items that it should have. The idea is to have a list of experiences and adventures you want to have in your lifetime, and the length of the list will depend on your personal goals and aspirations.

Can I have multiple Bucket Lists?

Yes, you can have multiple bucket lists! You might have a list of short-term goals, a list of long-term goals, a list for personal growth, a list for travel, and so on. Having multiple lists allows you to categorize and prioritize your aspirations, making it easier to achieve your goals.

What are some tips for completing items on my Bucket List?

• Set achievable and realistic goals
• Break large items into smaller, manageable steps
• Prioritize your list and start with items that are most important to you
• Be flexible and open to new experiences
• Celebrate your achievements and reflect on what you’ve learned
• Stay motivated and keep your list in sight
• Involve friends and family in your bucket list journey
• Take action and make your dreams a reality
• Keep your bucket list updated and evolve it as your interests and goals change.

Can a Bucket List be a lifelong journey?

Absolutely! A bucket list is a lifelong journey, and there’s no limit to the number of items you can add to your list. It’s a continually evolving process that reflects your interests, goals, and aspirations.

As you complete items on your list, you’ll gain new experiences, learn new things, and develop a deeper appreciation for life. So, keep dreaming, keep planning, and keep checking items off your bucket list!

What if I don’t complete all the items on my Bucket List?

It’s okay if you don’t complete all the items on your bucket list. The most important thing is to have fun, live life to the fullest, and make the most of every opportunity.

The journey is just as important as the destination, and the experiences and memories you create along the way are just as valuable as those you check off your list.

What shall I do before I die?

Before you leave this world, it’s important to make the most of every moment and live a life that you’re proud of. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your journey to a fulfilling life before you die:

Live in the moment: Enjoy life’s simple pleasures, spend time with loved ones, and make meaningful memories.

Pursue your passions: Find what you love and make it a big part of your life. Whether it’s travel, art, music, or something else—follow your heart.

Give back: Make a positive impact on the world by volunteering, donating to charity, or helping others in need.

Learn and grow: Read books, attend classes, try new things, and never stop learning.

Reflect and plan: Take the time to reflect on your life and consider what you want to achieve in the future. Create a plan and take action towards your goals.

Express gratitude: Appreciate what you have and show gratitude to those who have helped you along the way.

What are some crazy things to do before I die?

Here are some wild and adventurous activities you could try before you kick the bucket:

Skydiving: Experience the thrill of free-falling from an airplane and feel the adrenaline rush.

Bungee jumping: Take the plunge from a high bridge or platform and feel your heart race.

Hot air balloon ride: Soar above the clouds and enjoy a unique and breathtaking bird’s eye view of the world.

Scuba diving: Explore the underwater world, swim with exotic marine life, and discover sunken ships.

Volcano surfing: Yes, you read that right! Slide down the slopes of an active volcano on a board.

White-water rafting: Navigate through rapids and experience the thrill of the ride.

Cave diving: Plunge into the depths of the earth and discover a new world hidden underground.

Wingsuit flying: Fly through the air and experience the feeling of human flight.

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