New Experience Bucket List
A lot of the new experiences in this Bucket List are about wild, out-there, wacky things like experiencing zero-gravity and jumping out of airplanes. Some are about learning new things, like going crabbing or growing your own bonsai tree. There are plenty about experiencing the world around you through travel – visiting different places and seeing them with your own eyes, immersing yourself in different cultures etc. However, the one thing they all have in common is that you have to get out of your comfort zone and embrace whatever is going to come your way.
Putting yourself out there and experiencing all that this great wide world has to offer is the only true way to live your life to the fullest, and this list has been curated to give you a start towards doing that.
Some of the list items are simple, some will take some planning or practice, but all of them will be worth ticking off when the day comes. And take our word for it, every one of the items on this list will give you a story worth telling, whether it’s at a dinner party or to your grandkids.
Experience zero gravity
With the wonders of modern technology, these days you don’t have to go all the way into space to float around like an astronaut. Specially designed airplanes can recreate zero gravity by performing parabolic arcs, leaving you completely weightless. Sure it’s a bit pricey, but you’ve been a slave to gravity literally your entire life – and it’s definitely cheaper than actually going to space.
Get a photo with someone famous
Have you ever played ‘Six Degrees of Separation’ and wondered how many degrees you are from Kevin Bacon? Be able to prove that you know important and famous people by getting a pic with one! Plus, in this online world, photos with celebrities are a guaranteed way to get heaps of likes.
Have a water balloon fight
Nothing says ‘carefree Summer fun’ like running around a backyard throwing water balloons at someone. The exhilaration of getting someone when they least expect it, the tense moment when you get hit but the balloon doesn’t break so you get a freebie to throw back… We do recommend keeping it to the backyard though.
Live in another country for at least 3 months
Living abroad immerses you in a new culture in a way that a holiday just can’t match. Even if you don’t want to stay there forever, you’ll definitely have a new appreciation for your own country when you get back. Plus, being able to say ‘Ah yes, this reminds me of my time in the hills of France…’ makes you sound really fancy.
Roll around in a pile of money
Living abroad immerses you in a new culture in a way that a holiday just can’t match. Even if you don’t want to stay there forever, you’ll definitely have a new appreciation for your own country when you get back. Plus, being able to say ‘Ah yes, this reminds me of my time in the hills of France…’ makes you sound really fancy.
Stand on the equator
Eighty percent of the Earth’s equatorial line is over the ocean, so there’s actually not that many countries where you can straddle the equator. Good ones to try are Ecuador, Brazil, Indonesia and the Maldives – all worth visiting in their own right as the temperature stays balmy and tropical all year round!
Toast marshmallows over a campfire
One of life’s most simple pleasures. Campfires have been mesmerising people since caveman days, and marshmallows are, well, delicious. Combine the two with friends or a loved one for a rustic, easy, and intimate evening.
Visit a glow worm cave
The eerie glow of a dark tunnel filled with glow worms gives the impression that you’re tunnelling down into another world. What’s around the corner? Aliens? A different dimension? Nope, it’s fungus gnat larvae trying to attract mosquitoes! Nature is so weird.
Drive a Lamborghini
If you’ve never felt what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of a super powerful sports car, you haven’t really driven yet. Put the pedal to the metal on a racetrack, or hire one for a scenic coastal drive, and feel the engine respond to your slightest move. One thing is for sure – you won’t look at your old Toyota Corolla quite the same way again.
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Dye my hair pink
At least once in your life, be the person who turns heads when they walk into a room. Dying your hair pink will make people approach you and start conversations – be prepared for more smiles and compliments from strangers. And if you absolutely hate it, all you have to do is dye it back!
Experience the midnight sun
The midnight sun is a phenomenon where the tilt of the Earth’s axis means that regions surrounding the North Pole experience non-stop daylight for months at a time. The best places to experience these unending days are St Petersburg, Russia; Hammerfest, Norway; Reykjavic, Iceland; and Helsinki, Finland, where clubs, theatres, and even golf courses are open all night/day long!
Crush grapes with my feet in a vineyard
While grape-stomping might not actually be the most traditional (or efficient) way to make wine, it sure is fun. Plenty of vineyards will still let you get your bare feet all up in a barrel of grapes, but you’re best to call ahead to check.
Dress up for halloween
Dressing up any time of the year is fun, but Halloween takes it to the next level – if you go to a party or event, you know everyone will be in costume, and you can be as clever and topical or traditional and spooky as you like! Or, like they say in Mean Girls, it’s the one night a year where you can dress… a little risqué and no one is allowed to say anything about it.
Experience a white Christmas
If you don’t live in the Northern Hemisphere then you’ve probably only seen a snowy Christmas morning in movies. Build a snowman, make some warm eggnog and roast some chestnuts on an open fire – it’s a completely different way to spend the festive season.
Feed a Baby thats not my own with a bottle
Sure, holding your own baby is fine, but there’s something extra precious about a baby that isn’t yours, and feeding them is a beautiful way to connect.
Be a passenger on a private jet
Long-haul flights are always a double-edged sword – exciting because you’re going somewhere fun! But a drag because they take forever and are always so uncomfortable. At least once, why not travel in style and make the flight just as fun as the trip itself? There’s nothing more baller than turning up somewhere in a private jet, it’s why celebrities do it all the time.
Get in a taxi & yell "Follow that car!"
Ever wished your life was more like the movies? Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like a high-speed car chase, and if it hasn’t come up naturally yet then it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Probably best to follow someone who knows you’re doing it though, strangers tend to get freaked out.
Go behind a waterfall
Ever wondered what lies beyond that watery veil? A cave with hidden treasure, or a secret tunnel perhaps? It could also be nothing, but either way, getting up close with the awesome power of a waterfall is a great reminder of how beautiful and formidable nature can be.
Go shopping in Milan
Milan is the fashion capital of the world, so if you’re even a little bit interested in clothes and accessories then this a must-visit. With retailers catering for every budget, don’t let the expensive boutiques scare you off – though they’re worth a peek to find out what everyone will be wearing in a year’s time.
Get stuck on a Velcro Wall
Ever wondered how a fly stuck in a spider’s web feels? Hurtling through the air, minding your own business when WHAM! You’re completely trapped! Then why not try a velcro wall? All of the stickiness, but none of the danger of giant spiders.
Read 100 books to my child
Go swimming in the rain
Go to a live taping of a TV show
Get behind the scenes of a show you like and watch the magic happen right before your eyes! It’s always interesting to see just how many people are involved in putting a TV show together, and seeing how the actors work together to get that perfect take could be juicy (was that extra arm touch necessary? They seem very close…) You definitely won’t watch TV the same way after.
Get a straight razor shave
Shave like your great-grandpa used to and get yourself a straight razor. Lying down in the barber’s chair and trusting them with a razor-sharp blade at your throat will have you mentally checking off all the things you want to do before you die, but you’ll strut out of there with the smoothest shave you’ve ever had (and some more hairs on your chest).
Fingerpaint like a toddler
Why should babies have all the fun? Get messy and make a work of art – you never know, you might find a hidden talent…
Go ghost hunting
Live out your horror movie fantasies by traipsing through a creepy old house or graveyard in search of the paranormal. It’s scientifically proven that ghost activity happens only at night, so head out with a flashlight and you should be fine. Just make sure you find them before they find you…
Get myself a leather jacket
Fact: leather jackets are badass and anyone wearing one is automatically cool. Feel what it’s like to walk into a room and totally own it. You’re mysterious, you’re dangerous, you’re edgy. Plus, they’re never out of style and last forever so you know it’s worth the money.
Get my makeup done by a professional makeup artist
Ever watched one of those makeover shows on TV and wondered what your ultimate look might be? Go and find out! Makeup artists know what colours and styles will work best for you, and you’ll learn tips and tricks to help you look like a million bucks every day. They often let you keep the makeup they use too, so it’s worth it the next time you run out of foundation.
Dance the Flamenco in Spain
Flamenco is a beautiful performance of Spanish guitar, flowing dresses, hand clapping, and singing, so if you’re in Spain you should definitely check out their most famous art form (well, most famous art form without bulls). If you’re going to learn how to do it anywhere, it should be here – though be sure to catch a performance at a tablao and see how the experts do it, too.
Do greek dancing while in Greece
The Greeks perform traditional folk dances at weddings, birthdays, festivals – pretty much any social gathering or celebration – and you’ve ever joined in on one, you know why. The most popular, sirtaki (the Zorba dance) is incredible fun, and knowing the steps is less important than getting in there and having a go. If you’re lucky enough to be invited to an event where dancing is on the cards, it’d be almost criminal not to join in.
Drive a monster truck
Unleash the beast by driving a truck tailor-made to crush other cars into the dirt. With an incredible 1500-horsepower, they are designed to be able to leap up to 60ft in the air and accelerate at insane speeds – there’s a reason audiences flock to watch them rampage through the arena.
Experience Christmas in summer weather
Sure, a summer Christmas isn’t exactly the cliché Christmas you’ve probably come to expect, but there’s plenty of upsides – beach activities, BBQ’s and seafood, and that gorgeous summer sun! Head to Australia for a summer Christmas you won’t forget.
Explore an abandoned amusement park
There are few things creepier than a once-lively theme park fallen into disrepair and left to nature. The hollow silence where there was once the laughter of children is incredibly eerie, as are the stories behind why each one has been deserted. Accidents, natural disasters, and economic downturns have left dozens of amusement parks abandoned around the world – just be very careful when you go exploring, as they can be quite dangerous.
Get my palms read
Whether you’re a believer of the mystical and unexplained or more of a skeptic, finding what life supposedly has in store for you is always a good chance to take stock of who you are and what you want. If it validates what you already know, great! And if it throws you a curveball, well, it’s something to think about even if you don’t think it’s true.
Find my doppelganger
You never know, it could end up being your long-lost twin like in The Parent Trap! These days there are plenty of websites that you can upload photos to, so you can scan the globe for your exact double. Think of the hijinks that could ensue!
Start here
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Drive over Brooklyn Bridge
Coz you’re in Newww Yoooorrrkkkk! Concrete jungle where dreams are made of! If you don’t have access to a car, you can also walk across New York’s most famous bridge or catch the subway for a speedy look – we recommend a sunset visit as the light hitting the water is magical, and the view of the city really will inspire you.
Belly dance with a belly dancer
You can do this at most Turkish restaurants – often the belly dancers will try to get reluctant diners to join them, so jump on in there and roll your belly around! It might feel weird (especially after a big dinner) but it’s always hilarious.
Go inside an igloo
A house made completely of compressed snow, in the middle of the snow, doesn’t sound like it would be very warm. And honestly, it’s not. But it is a cool experience (pardon the pun). You can stay in igloo hotels in Austria, Norway, and Finland that have dining rooms, bars and bedrooms made of snow – visit between November and January for a chance to see the Northern Lights!
Bathe in milk
The lactic acid in milk dissolves the proteins that hold dead skin cells together, leaving your skin feeling smooth and soft. Add some essential oils in there to come out smelling like roses. If it was good enough for Cleopatra, it’s good enough for you!
Be followed on Twitter by a celebrity
There is nothing more personally validating than a famous person thinking that what you have to say is interesting. Nothing.
Be picked up by a limo
For the most bang for your buck, get it to pick you up outside a cool club or fancy restaurant. You don’t even need to have been at the restaurant, really. You just need the audience, because only Very Important People get picked up by limos. Be ready to sign some autographs from people who’ll assume you’re famous.
Be in a Jacuzzi in the snow
Being near-naked in the snow is not something we’d usually recommend, but a steaming Jacuzzi is great way to relax while still appreciating some beautiful winter scenery.
Become a grandparent
This one takes some time and investment, but I’ve heard it’s ultimately very rewarding. Kids that love you like a parent but that you get to give back at the end of the day? Perfect!
Enter a Food Eating Contest
Abandon all pretence of what is “socially acceptable” or a “healthy” amount of food to eat, in the name of competition! It’s always good to know what your body’s limit is when it comes to quantity of hot dogs, after all.
Do a full split
We recommend easing into this one, as you could do permanent damage if you’re too gung-ho about it. Doing some stretches every day is good for you, regardless of whether you make it all the way to the floor.
Experience a sunrise in the desert
Ordinary sunrises are best spent in bed with the curtains drawn, but a sunrise in the desert is something you must see at least once. The range of colours is spectacular, and watching day slowly break across such harsh, arid land is a moving experience that’s worth waking up early for.
Get a meaningful tattoo
If you don’t have any tattoos, you’re probably uneasy about the idea of committing to putting something on your body forever. Choose something that you know will mean something to you in however many years’ time, like a reference to a loved one or a precious memory, and do your research about the tattoo artist you think would do a good job (Instagram is a great place to check out their style and quality), and it’s very unlikely you’ll regret your new piece of art.
Explore a creepy abandoned mental asylum
The only thing scarier than a haunted house is a haunted mental asylum. If you know anything about ghosts, you know they hang around places where they were treated badly or have unfinished business, and back in the day mental asylums were places where people in their care were treated very badly. Super sad, but also super spooky.
Go to a drive-in movie
Grow an avocado tree
Imagine endless smashed avo on toast, without having to worry about how you’ll afford your rent – it’s a Millennial’s dream! Growing your own avocado tree is surprisingly easy, and you can do it from the pit of that avocado you just used to make guacamole (also, no more paying extra for guacamole!).
Try a fish pedicure
Dunk your tired hoofs in a tub of warm water and let dozens of tiny toothless fish nibble all the dead skin away, leaving your feet fresh and ready for sandal season.
Have drinks at a swim up pool bar
Have a drink while you’re in the drink! If you look up ‘relaxation’ in the dictionary, you’ll find a selfie I took while floating around a resort pool in Thailand, cocktail in hand. Getting out of the pool and walking to the bar is for chumps.
Go to Roswell and check for aliens
Even if you don’t manage to find any, you can visit the many alien-themed shops where any local will tell you all about their personal experiences with the extra-terrestrial.
Go on a whale watching tour
If you’ve never seen a whale up-close, it’s hard to imagine just how enormous they are in real life, and how breathtakingly beautiful. Whales are also surprisingly smart – they know they’re being watched and will often put on a show to delight their audience. It’s something you have to experience to believe.
Lay in a field of wild flowers
An easy one to tick off the bucket list – take a drive out of the city and lay in a field. The smell is amazing, the sun is revitalizing, and if you take a book it’s a lovely, simple day outside.
Make a time capsule
Put some important mementos in a box and bury it in the backyard for posterity. When it’s dug up in 100 years’ time, people will wonder about the significance of each item (or, if you chose to include VHS tapes or floppy disks, what on earth they even are).
Play lazertag
Play out your futuristic battle fantasies! It’s more sci-fi than paintball and hurts much less. Just don’t do it during school holiday season – little kids are really good at laser tag, it gets annoying fast.
See a movie in IMAX
It’s like a regular movie, just way bigger. See a documentary and absorb yourself in new worlds, or see a 3D movie and feel like you’re right there. If you like movies, this is a must-do.
Try square dancing
Is your boot-scootin’ baby drivin’ you crazy? Well just join in! Square dancing is a traditional folk dance where four couples perform moves as they are called out by a caller, usually to a live band.
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Watch the sunset from the top of a mountain
Climbing a mountain is hard, but the view from the top is generally worth the trek. Watching the sunset over that view definitely makes it worth the trek. Just be careful getting back down in the dark.
See a meteor shower
Looking up at the stars is always beautiful and moving and really makes you think about the vastness of existence, sure, but it’s also kind of boring. Nothing really happens. Not so with a meteor shower! They’re fun and exciting and maybe a bit dangerous. A good reminder that Earth is just a big old rock hurtling through space.
Own an antique typewriter
Write people old-timey letters, and actually send them! Or finally crunch out that novel you’ve been sitting on for years. The weight of the keys makes tapping away at an old typewriter oddly cathartic. And even if you don’t want to use it, they look really cool.
Embrace Minimalism and own only 300 things
Taking stock of all the things you own is something you should try to do semi-regularly, and if you never have, then there’s no time like the present. The point of Minimalism is not to live in an empty white room or give away all your stuff, but to buy and consume things consciously instead of automatically, and to find meaning in people instead of things. You can see a Ted talk on the 300 challenge here
Make love under the stars
Embrace your primal urges and make love outside. It’s romantic, it’s exciting, it’s sexy… Just be careful about the spot you choose for your open-air tryst – an empty field or beach is probably better than, say, a city park. We’d assume.
Put my hand print into wet concrete
Imprint yourself on your local footpath for all eternity by sticking your hand in some freshly laid cement. Generations will come and go, wondering who owned that mysterious hand.
Spend the summer solstice at Stonehenge
Summer solstice is the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its most northerly point on the celestial sphere. If you stand at just the right point at Stonehenge on this day, you’ll see the sun rise above the Heel Stone. No one is quite sure why it was built this way, but crowds flock to watch the sun rise here every year on June 20.
Take part in an archaeological excavation
Unearthing the pasts hidden treasures and discovering new fossils or artefacts would be so exciting! Though if you come across a mummy’s tomb, probably leave it shut.
Find something valuable on the beach with a metal detector
You might find a poor bride’s long-lost wedding ring, or a bracelet that had been passed down through generations. Who knows what secrets the sea might have washed ashore…?
Give free hugs on the Street
In these lonely, mixed-up times, people are becoming ever more isolated from their fellow man. Make a connection with a stranger and give them a hug – it might be exactly what they need today.
Drink fresh water from a stream
After a long hot hike, nothing is as refreshing as some nice, natural water. Go full Bear Grylls and try to catch a fish for dinner, too!
Drink champagne in a jacuzzi in the snow
A Jacuzzi in the snow is pretty decadent, so why not celebrate that with a glass of champagne! Now you’re living the high life!
Cross Abbey road crosswalk in London
Recreate the classic Beatles album cover with three of your friends, or any strangers you can round up. It’s quite a busy street, so getting a clear shot at a photo like this is actually much harder than it looks.
Dance with an African tribe
There are more than 3,000 tribes in Africa, and they speak 2,000 different languages, so every tribal dance is different. While we don’t recommend you head out into the desert in search of a tribe to join, an opportunity to learn a traditional dance is an amazing experience and privilege.
Wear contact lenses with a weird color or design
Really freak people out by staring them down with some unnaturally-hued eyeballs. It’s a creepy thing to wear to work, but looks amazing as part of a costume.
Help deliver a baby
Imagine being the first thing a baby sees when it comes into this world – what an honour! This is life at its most urgent and real and beautiful, and you never know, they might name the baby after you! Though they probably won’t.
Be nude on a nude beach
A major thing that should be on everyone’s bucket list is being completely comfortable with your own body. We’re all human beings, after all, there’s nothing to hide!
Be on a row boat in fog covered lake
Recreate your own horror movie scene by rowing out into the fog and realizing just how quickly you’ve completely lost your bearings and don’t know how to get back to shore. Pack a compass, just in case. And some granola bars, you might be there a while.
Be part of a food fight
It’s a scientific fact that nothing is funnier than throwing a pie in someone’s face – that’s why clowns have been doing it for centuries. Next time you spill a bit of ketchup on your shirt, why not just throw your whole plate at whoever is sitting opposite you. You already have to wash the shirt, after all.
Be master of ceremonies at a wedding
Key jobs include pointing out fire exits and bathrooms, cutting off the best man speech if he starts mentioning ex-girlfriends or that trip to Vegas, and commenting many times how good the bridesmaids look tonight. But if you don’t know them well, write down the bride and grooms names if you have to. I can’t stress that enough.
Be part of a world record attempt
Ever wanted to be in one of those giant shiny Guinness Book of Records books? Sure you have! You can try to make the world’s largest pizza, or eat the world’s largest donut, or something that’s not food-related, it’s up to you!
Scuba dive at least 5 famous sites
Indonesia alone has many of the best scuba sites in the world, but if you want to broaden your underwater horizons, you could try the extensive underwater cave system in Mexico, The Riviera Maya, or swim with whale sharks, penguins, and iguanas off the coast of Galapagos Island. Get diving!
Build a beach bonfire
The key here is to get firewood that isn’t wet, which can often be tricky at the beach. Make sure someone brings a guitar – it’s not a beach bonfire if someone isn’t trying to strum out Wonderwall.
Ask someone to a dance
If you’ve never done this, where’s your game?? The worst that can happen is they say no, and then you go ask someone else, easy! If you don’t ask, you will never get. So get out there and ask the closest hottie to have a boogie with you – they could be the love of your life!
Be on a TV gameshow
These days, there are options for everyone. If you’re smart, obviously go on a trivia-based show. If you’re more physical, perhaps Ninja Warrior is more your speed. If you’re a horrible person, why not try The Bachelor?
Watch top 100 best comedy movies of all time
Comedy is subjective, so people won’t always agree on which movies are funny and which are… less funny. But you don’t get to have an opinion on a movie you haven’t watched, them’s the rules. So the next time it’s too cold or wet to head out, snuggle in for a good old-fashioned movie binge and have yourself some laffs.
Make my own man-cave
Get yourself a shed and fill it with cool stuff – a pool table, a big TV, a comfy couch, a little fridge for snacks and beers, whatever you like! Then invite all the guys round for the big game. Woo!
Make my own woman-cave
Get yourself a shed and fill it with cool stuff – a pool table, a big TV, a comfy couch, a little fridge for snacks and beers, whatever you like! Then invite all the girls round for the season finale of The Bachelor. Woo!
Ask out a Hollywood actress
It’s a well-known fact that Hollywood actresses would generally prefer to date someone who isn’t famous, but they just don’t get the chance to meet that many normal people. So put yourself out there!
Ask out a Hollywood actor
Hollywood actors are just waiting for a nice girl or boy to come and save them from their debaucherous, fast-paced lifestyle and make them settle down. Do you have what it takes to fix a Hollywood bad boy? You’ll never know if you don’t ask.
Bathe in chocolate
Chocolate is possibly the most sensual of all the desserts, so it only makes sense to dip yourself in it like a strawberry in fondue. The cocoa is supposed to be good for your skin, and causes the body to release feel-good hormones akin to being in love. You can visit a chocolate spa in Japan, Geneva, or Pennsylvania in the US.
Appear in a music video
You don’t have to be able to dance or sing to appear in a music video – if you sign up at an agency to do extras work, you’ll definitely get to audition to be in some up-and-coming singer/songwriter/rapper/DJ’s vid to support their latest track. If the song is a hit, then you’ll be in syndication forever! Scary, but also pretty cool.
Break dishes against a wall in a Greek resaurant
We recommend not taking this into your own hands and breaking any plates you can see when you visit Greece – modern Greeks hate this custom and the country requires a license for establishments who want to allow it. If you are given plates to smash, keep in mind that they’ll probably be put on your bill. If you aren’t offered plates, throwing flowers is now the more common way of showing approval – it’s less dangerous, less messy, and smells delightful.
Buy a Mickey Mouse balloon at Disneyland
Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, and Mickey Mouse is the mayor, so show some respect and buy a balloon.
Crowd surf at a rock concert
There is no better feeling than being held aloft by the crowd during your favourite bands big song. Get a friend to give you a boost, and make sure you hold tight to your wallet and phone. And maybe don’t wear a dress or a skirt.
Dance in the rain without shoes
When was the last time you felt the wet ground on the soles of your feet? If you’re most people, it’s probably been a while. Go feel the wet grass, the cool concrete, the scratchy gravel – your feet have so many nerve endings and we’re always stuffing them inside shoes. And dance! Go wild! There are so many different ways to connect with the world around us, every day can be an adventure.
Do a cartwheel
Make sure you stretch out your wrists and legs before attempting if it’s been a while – you may have been able to do a cartwheel 20 years ago, but things do change. Having said that, you’ll probably be surprised at how much basic balance and skill you’ve retained. It’s kind of like getting back on a bike!
Ride in a fire truck
Speed through the streets with the siren screaming at pedestrians and drivers alike, “Get out the way!”. Destination: danger. And who knows, you might end up a hero, if a cat needs rescuing.
Drive a vespa in Italy
Explore Italy on your own terms with your own Vespa scooter. Zip through the historic vineyards of Tuscany, the breath-taking views of the Amalfi Coast, or loop around the island of Sicily. Experience Italy the way it should be experienced – on two Italian wheels.
Experience a sonic boom
A sonic boom is the sound that happens when an object breaks travels faster than the speed of sound. If you’ve never heard one, imagine someone cracking a whip into the world’s largest microphone. Go to a flight demonstration to see high powered planes smashing through the sound barrier at incredible speeds.
Experience a very mild earthquake
There is nothing more dizzying or humbling than your entire world shaking around you. While a scary experience, it’s a good reminder that you can’t take a single day for granted – nature has very different ideas.
Gaze at the stars through a telescope
Have a peak at the moon and see if you can spot anyone on it, check out the planets in our solar system, and see what galaxies lay far beyond our grasp. The universe is amazing, and with a telescope you can get a small glimpse of it.
Get my face painted
If you didn’t get to do this as a kid, that doesn’t mean that you lost your chance! Do it as part of a costume, or just paint some nice flowers or something – either way, it feels really nice and tickly.
Explore a ghost town
Capture a glimpse into the lives of once-thriving townships by exploring a deserted town. The eerie streets and broken-down buildings were once filled with people, laughter, and the smell of home cooking. Whether abandoned hundreds of years ago or fairly recently, it’s a disconcerting experience.
Experience snowfall
If you’ve never seen snow, it’s hard to appreciate just how beautiful it is as it floats gently through the air and blankets everything in white. This is one you must tick off your bucket list.
Ride in a submarine
The pressure a submarine withstands as it goes deeper into the ocean is beyond comprehension, and best not to think about when you’re traveling inside one.
Try crabbing
Head out to the bay and set yourself some crab traps. Crabs are easy to catch, easy to cook, and delicious to eat – but make sure you have a license if it’s required in your area.
Go blind for a day
They say your other senses are heightened when you lose one, so give it a go and see what you can accomplish without your eyes. You’ll also benefit from a real understanding of how vision-impaired people get through the day – building empathy is always a good bucket list item to aim for.
Get out of a car and dance when the light is red
It’s best to be the passenger in the car for this one, as it’s quite illegal to get out of the car while you’re driving it. Everyone is just sitting there quietly, waiting for the lights to change – why not give them all a bit of a show.
Dance like nobody is watching in a packed club
How often do you go to nightclubs and judge how other people are dancing? Unless you’re a really jerk, you probably don’t even notice. And yet, everyone is so self-conscious about dancing in public! If a song you like comes on, go out there and give it your all. Nobody will care, and if they do, so what?
Drive a Hummer
Take one of the most powerful 4×4’s you can buy off the road and really push it to its limits. Take it up hills, through mud and water – it’s a military vehicle, after all. Driving it through city streets is its own challenge, as it barely fits in a lane. There’s a reason these gas-guzzlers were discontinued in 2010, as they are wildly impractical for everyday use, but give it a go off-road and you’ll see why some people are still die-hard fans.
Go barefoot in a grocery store
There are some who say that shoes are completely unnecessary, that they are a capitalist hoax designed to make us buy more stuff. The human foot is remarkably well-designed and a lot sturdier than we give it credit for. Though obviously it will get quite dirty if you accidentally step on a grape or something.
Grow my own coffee beans
Coffee trees can actually make great house plants! Once the coffee fruit turns bright red, it’s ready for picking. The bean is inside the fruit, which means you have to peel, wash, ferment, dry, peel again, then roast the beans to make your fave latte. It’s a process, but imagine how delicious that first coffee is going to be.
Get breakfast in bed
Being served breakfast in bed is more than just getting to eat without taking yourself to the kitchen – it’s the planning involved in getting up early, preparing what to cook the night before, the fact that someone wants to do this for you. Waking up to a delicious meal is the kindest thing someone can do for a friend who is perhaps not a morning person.
Hunt for wild truffles
Head to Umbria for some of the most beautiful truffles in the world. Learn how to pick up the scent (or get some trained dogs to do that for you) and snuffle through the wilderness for some delicious and valuable truffles. You can make truffle oil, mix it through pastas, dips, and cheeses. It’s an earthy flavour which can lend itself to many different dishes, so it’s well worth the effort.
Go on a horse drawn carriage ride
The next time that you visit London or New York (assuming you don’t like there already), go clip-clopping through the city streets on one of the many horse-drawn carriages that wait patiently on the sides of roads. It’s a lovely, slow way to see the city you’re visiting, and will leave you feeling nostalgic for a time when this was the preferred mode of transportation.
Give a piggyback ride to a stranger
Usually it’s not a good idea to let a stranger jump on your back and order you around, but if you’ve offered then you’ve really got to see it through.
Get a tarot card reading
Whether you believe in tarot cards or you think they’re a big old hoax, having your cards read is always an interesting experience. Finding out what the universe has in store for you might make you consider paths you hadn’t thought of, or appreciate relationships you have more deeply – even if there’s no prophetic power within the cards themselves.
Go on an early morning forest walk
Wake up with all the woodland creatures and go on an early walk through the forest. You’ll see more activity from birds and animals in the early hours than you will later in the day, and the glow of the morning sun is a beautiful sight between the trees.
Go banana boating
Hop on a giant inflatable tube with five mates and be dragged behind a speedboat as it whips through the sea. People make up weird pastimes, but this one does actually look really fun.
Grow my own vegetables
There’s something very reassuring about being self-sustaining when it comes to food. Knowing how to cultivate and grow your own vegetables is a great skill to have, and eating your very first harvest is something you should be really proud of.
Live in a different place for at least a month every year
This might not be something you can do indefinitely, but taking a sabbatical or working from a different location every now and then is so important, both for your mental health and so you get to experience new things. The experience of living somewhere where you aren’t a local – you might not know the language, or where to get the best food, or how to get around – means that you are constantly growing and learning, and that’s always a good thing.
Make a video diary
Video diaries aren’t just for YouTube stars and bloggers anymore. If you don’t really want to talk into a camera every night before bed, why not make one the next time you go traveling? You can capture all the sights and sounds of the places you visit, and do a piece to camera describing which parts you’re enjoying, or any funny stories. When you get back, edit it into a short film to show friends!
Ride on a double decker bus
The best spot on a double decker bus is the front part of the top level – it feels like you’re rampaging through the city like Godzilla, except that you’re also stopping for all the red lights.
Visit a wax museum
Most major cities have a Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, so if you haven’t been inside one yet, put it on the list. Check out real life replicas of famous people – you might be surprised how small they actually are in real life.
Memorize 10 Star Constellations
Being able to casually say “Oh wow, Canis Major is really clear tonight!” is a really impressive thing to be able to do on dates. People used to be able to read the night sky like a book, and used it for navigation as well as keeping track of different mythologies.
Own a Pinball machine
Pinball machines are awesome, but they’re always in bars and pubs. Why can’t you have one in your house to play whenever you want? Plus if you own it, you’ll have all the high scores.
Get a book signed by the author
If you have a book that you really love, getting it signed by the author will make it all the more special. Plus you’ll likely get to meet the author, so you can tell them in person how much the book means to you – everyone loves to hear that their work is appreciated.
Have someone draw me
An artistic interpretation of yourself is so much more interesting that a photo – how do they think I present myself to the world, what are the features they’ll highlight or exaggerate, what expression do they think I have? It’s also so much more intimate, especially if you have to sit in a position for an extended period while they draw.
Grow a moustache
If this is something can do physically do, then you owe it to yourself to grow a big old Tom Selleck mo’ at least once in your life. There’s always that awkward period at the start where you want to give up – don’t give up! It will look great, we promise.
Grow a bonsai tree
The art of bonsai is the long held Asian tradition of growing, cultivating, and pruning tiny versions of adult trees. They require a lot of time and much care and practice, but the rewards are both great and small.
Learn to walk a slackline
Walking a slackline is basically just practice. Of course some people naturally have better balance than others, but that’s not at all to say that you can’t hone your balancing skills with time. Listen to your body, stay focused, and you’ll be skipping along that rope in no time.
Go swimming in the dead sea
Swimming in the Dead Sea is unlike swimming anywhere else on Earth. Its hypersaline water means you can’t sink, so floating is easy. The salinity also means that nothing can live in it, hence the name. Head to Jordan for best access to swimming spots and surrounding resorts and historic sites.
Learn to ride a monocycle
A monocycle is kind of like a motorcycle, except instead of sitting above two wheels, you sit inside one giant wheel, kind of like a hamster. While they were proposed as a legitimate mode of transportation during the early 1900’s, these days they’re mostly used for fun and entertainment purposes. Which is lucky, because they look ridiculous.
Own an electric guitar
You can learn anything from beginner stage on YouTube these days, so buy yourself an electric guitar, learn a few chords, then get the band back together and start thrashing out some classics.
Photo bomb a stranger
Do you ever wonder how many photos you’re in the background of all over the world? Every time you walk past a family of tourists taking a shot, you could be captured and hung on their wall as the perfect moment of their trip together. Try to be in the background of more photos (or just jump in with them, you can be that crazy local they met).
Be asked to prom
This one is hard to pull off by yourself, and even harder if you’re not in high school. If no one has asked you yet, take matters into your own hands and ask the person you want to go with. Waiting to be asked is the old way of doing things. Boy or girl, go out there and seize the day!
Bathe in Lourdes water
Lourdes water is water which flows from the miraculous spring in the Grotto of Massabielle in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, France. It is on this site that Our Lady of Lourdes was believed by Roman Catholics to have appeared to St Bernadette in 1858. Now, millions of people make the pilgrimage to Lourdes each year, hoping for a cure from the waters of the shrine.
Be a jury member
Not only is this a good experience, it’s also your civic duty as a good citizen. Seeing how the justice system works in reality (not just on TV) is important, even if it does take time out from work. And you never know, you could get a really interesting case.
Be a foreign exchange student
Experiencing life as a student in another country is such a valuable and culturally-rich experience. If you can stay with a host family, be sure to partake in any customs or events they do, as this is an amazing way to absorb the culture. Not being able to speak the native language will make you much more sympathetic to visitors to your own country.
Awake to the sounds of the rain forest
Waking in the tropical climate of the rainforest is relaxing enough, but lying in bed listening to the sounds of the birds, the trees, the insects, and the occasional monkey or gorilla is pure bliss.
Appear as an extra in a TV series or movie
Register with an extras agent, then hang out on set with some of your favourite TV or movie stars. Extras are an important part of filling out a scene, so don’t be discouraged if there’s no specific “acting” involved. Being an extra is one of those things where, if you’re doing your job well you shouldn’t be noticed, but if you’re doing a bad job it will stick out like a sore thumb and ruin the scene.
Bash a piñata in Mexico
While piñatas were used historically to teach Mexican people the principles of Christianity, these days they’re mostly used at kid’s birthday parties just before cutting the cake. They’re still filled with candy though, which is the most important thing.
Be on stage in front of thousands of people
If you can somehow wrangle an audience of thousands for whatever it is you’re good at, that is incredible! But even if you somehow get invited on stage, to dance with a band for example, take that opportunity. It’s a crazy feeling knowing that thousands of people are craning their necks to get a look at you, as well as an amazing view looking back at them all.
Dance on a bar table
While some bars do encourage dancing on the tables, most will kick you out for it. Doesn’t mean it’s not totally worth it!
Do a pirouette on ice-skates
A pirouette is a leap and spin, like they do in the ballet. Managing to both leap and land on ice is no mean feat, so this will take some practice. It looks damn impressive though, so it will be worth the time investment if you can wow your friends next time you go ice skating.
Build a blanket fort
There’s a reason kids are always doing this – it’s cozy and you feel safe in there. Next time you have a bad day, just stack some pillows together and climb inside. No one can hurt you in a pillow fort.
Drive a convertible
Feel the wind in your hair and sun on your skin as you speed along a coastal road with the top down. Just make sure it’s a sunny day.
Dig for gold
Gold panning is a slow and rigorous process, but the dividends could be huge. Imagine hitting upon a huge streak of gold – that’s all your financial worries gone!
Dance salsa in Rio Di Janeiro
Grab a partner and learn the dance of seduction in the city known for being outrageously, smoulderingly sexy.
Drive a hovercraft
It’s not quite a boat, not quite a plane. Hovercrafts move across water, but inside of splitting through it they hover above thanks to propellers. Hovercraft have been the vehicle of the future for a good thirty years, so they won’t be replacing cars any time soon. But the opportunity to ride on one is not to be missed.
Dye my hair purple
Purple is an incredibly trendy colour – it’s not natural, but it’s subtle enough that it doesn’t scream unnatural, either. Gorgeous violet tresses are a very popular look, so refresh your locks with a brand-new colour.
Fast for 3 Days (have only water or green tea)
Studies have shown that fasting for three days can help improve blood sugar levels, increase metabolism and help reduce body fat. If you decide to do a fast, keep in mind that you will feel lethargic and struggle to maintain focus while your body adjusts to the energy intake, so we recommend trying this over a weekend or break.
Drink a beer in a hot tub somewhere random
Could be a hotel, could be an AirBnB, could be anywhere – drinking a beer while you’re in hot water is scientifically proven to be extra refreshing. It’s why shower-beers are a thing.
Meet a person born on the same day as me
It’s good to keep tabs on these people just in case it turns out you were accidentally switched at birth. But even if you weren’t, see if there are any similarities between you that could be put down to sharing the exact same star sign.
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Witness a full solar eclipse
A solar eclipse is when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, thereby blocking our light for a short period of time. Make sure you make those special goggles if you want to look at it though, we do not recommend actually staring into the sun at any point.
Make a snow angel
Wait for a good dumping of fresh snow then dive right in there and start thrashing about.
Stay overnight in a haunted building
There are plenty of old hotels that claim to have ghostly visitors, but these are hard to verify. If you’re going to do this, we’d recommend either the site of a grisly crime like the Villisca Axe Murder House in Iowa USA, a ship like the Queen Mary in California USA, or WWII bunkers like the Drakelow Tunnels in Kiddermeister, UK, for a truly spooky evening. Good luck falling asleep…
Audition for a reality TV show
Making a video describing why you’d be great on [insert reality show] is actually great fun. Just think about your skills, how conniving and sneaky you’d be, a great mix of physical ability and problem-solving skills… I’ll get on Survivor one day, I swear.
Have a backyard campout
It’s like regular camping except you can use your own bathroom and kitchen, you don’t have to pack everything up in the car, you don’t have to drive anywhere at all… actually it’s much better than regular camping.
Bathe in a natural hot spring
Mineral-rich hot springs have been used for centuries for their healing powers – a dip can soothe your aches and pains, open up the pores, and even speed up your metabolism. Come out feeling completely rejuvenated.
Take part in a flashmob
A flash mob is a group of people who come together quite suddenly in a public place to perform a choreographed but unannounced act, then disperse back into the crowd, to the shock and amazement of onlookers. The more elaborate or ridiculous, the better.
Be an invited dinner guest at the White house
Being a close personal friend of the President is the most obvious way to score a dinner invite at the White House, however there are other ways. Be an absolute hero and cure a horrible disease, or the CEO of an important company, or a conservative celebrity. Donating a lot of money to the Presidential election campaign also tends to help.
Be at the roof of a house and watch the sun rise
It’s a great way to end a raging house party, or see in the new year. There’s something nostalgic yet hopeful about it…
Be called 'Auntie'
If you have any nieces and nephews, this should take care of itself. Unless you’re a man, in which case you might have to get a bit more creative.
Be greeted with a lei in Hawaii
Experience a traditional welcome to the islands of Hawaii by being presented with a flower garland, or lei. You can be greeted at the airport as you come through the gate, or at your hotel when you arrive – either way it’s a beautiful ‘aloha’ to Hawaii and your holiday!
Be in a nerf war
Take the battle to the streets with the soft foam bullets of nerf guns. It can be an all-out brawl where winner takes all, or you can organise into teams for a more tactical victory. Either way, it’s fun for adults and kids alike.
Be in the middle of a mosh pit
Get in the thick of it with your favourite band – or a band you don’t know that well. The excitement of the crowd will draw you in, and when everyone jumps and throws their hands in the air as one, you’ll turn into a fan for life.
Be part of a orchestra
Even if you can’t play an instrument, there’s always a guy with a triangle or a gong or something. Contributing to something to something so much bigger than yourself is incredibly powerful – you’ll have a whole new appreciation for how the different instruments weave together to form a symphony.
Be someone's secret santa
Even if you can’t play an instrument, there’s always a guy with a triangle or a gong or something. Contributing to something to something so much bigger than yourself is incredibly powerful – you’ll have a whole new appreciation for how the different instruments weave together to form a symphony.
Breathe in helium and speak
Squeaky voices are always hilarious! Pro-tip – make sure you have a phrase or song lined up ahead of time. The amount of helium wasted on giggling and going “Ummm hahahaha” is just far too much. It only lasts a few seconds, make it good!
Compliment a complete stranger
The thing about giving a stranger a compliment is not that they’re not expecting it, though they probably aren’t. It’s that it comes completely without an agenda or expectation. You’ll never see them again, you don’t know whether they’re having a good or bad day, you just want them to know that those shoes are amazing. It’ll make their day, trust me.
Attach a lock to Lovers Bridge in France
The tradition of attaching a lock engraved with your lover’s name to a bridge then throwing the key into the river may have started in China, but it’s now the Pont des Arts in Paris that has become the go-to destination for couples hoping to seal their love forever. Unfortunately, the City of Paris has started removing the locks as their weight is destroying the bridge itself, but that doesn’t mean you can’t at least visit the Lover’s Bridge with your love.
Cross over a swinging suspension bridge
Suspension bridges are made to give a little under extreme wind or weather conditions, so don’t panic too much if it starts to sway a little while you’re on it. Pedestrian suspension bridges, while one of the oldest forms of bridge engineering, are still very scary when they span rivers and chasms. It will test your fear of heights, that we can guarantee.
Dance around a campfire
Get tribal and have a dance around a campfire – with some drums involved, the rhythm will take you over and you’ll be howling at the moon in no time.
Dance at a nightclub in Ibiza
Ibiza is an island off the coast of Spain, and is the dance music capital of the world for good reason. Head here for a summer of debauchery, with 24-hour dance parties and some of the best DJ’s in the world in residence. Party season is from June til October, but the island is beautiful all year round.
Dance Naked in the rain
Dance with my Dad at my Wedding
This is a moment that all fathers both look forward to and dread in equal measure – their little girl is all grown up. If you do get the chance to experience this, savour the moment. Ideally it will only happen once.
Do clay pigeon shooting
Do everything with my left hand for a whole day
Much better than real pigeon shooting.Or your right hand, if you’re left-handed. Make it hard for yourself, basically. You might actually find that you’re better at some things with your other hand, or that you’re ambidextrous!
Do the Jack the Ripper walking tour in London, England
Learn about the original serial killer by following his grisly route around the back alleys of London. Inspect the sites where he stalked and butchered prostitutes, see if you can find any clues… Because of course, Jack the Ripper was never caught. Does he still roam the cobblestone streets, watching and waiting? Probably not, as his last murder was in 1888. But maybe…
Drive a Segway
You’ve definitely seen one of these self-balancing scooters gliding around town, usually carrying either a dorky-looking business man or a flock of tourists. While the press surrounding Segways has been fairly negative since the company CEO rolled off a cliff in 2011 (and wasn’t helped when one ran over Usain Bolt in 2015) that doesn’t mean they’re not a good time. Even if they’re maybe not the replacement for walking we’d all been led to believe.
Drive a tank
Get behind the wheel of a vehicle specifically designed to destroy everything in its path. With a machine gun on the front, wheels made for crunching through debris, and its armoured shell, nothing is more badass than driving a tank over some cars and through a house. Plus, gain an appreciation for what service men and women go through in actual warzones by getting up close and personal with the artillery.
Drive a tractor
Rattle through the field on a big old tractor. Plow a field, take some hay for the cattle, do some real work for once.
Drive a train
Or at least sit up the front and look at the world as you speed along the tracks.
Drive across the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world, and certainly one of the most photographed. Leading into San Francisco, there is probably no grander entrance to a city than driving over the Golden Gate. Do it at sunset for one of the most spectacular views you’re ever likely to lay eyes on.
Dye a streak of my hair a different color
Experience ten different modes of transportation
Car, bicycle, train, plane, ferry, cruise ship, motorbike, submarine, space shuttle, bus, double decker bus, penny-farthing, rollerblades, scooter, hang glider, being shot out of cannon, horse, dog sled, elephant, zebra, there’s plenty to choose from. Just never those stupid wheelies shoes. They’re the worst.
Experience a sunset snuggled in a hammock
Hammocks are the most relaxing of all of the outdoor furniture. You’re basically caught in a giant net, somewhere between a baby slung on its mothers back and a fish you’ve just pulled out of the ocean. Settling into a beach sunset in a hammock is the ultimate in serenity.
Get hair extensions
Turn up to a party with a completely new look! Sometimes you want the casual beauty of long hair without the hassle of growing, maintaining, and styling it. Hair extensions takes care of all of that, plus you can just pull them out when you’re sick of them.
Try ice fishing
Head out over a frozen lake, cut yourself a hole in the ice, dip your line and see what you find! There are plenty of places you can try this, including Canada, northern USA, Greenland, Finland, and Sweden.
Try ice skating on an outdoor rink
Outdoor ice skating rinks are often set up in city centres over the Christmas period, as they feel quite festive. Why not hire some skates next time and see how you go? You might find you’re quite good at it! And if not, it’s still a good time sliding around on the ice.
Go on a blind date
And not just a Tinder date – ask a friend to set you up with someone they think you’ll like. Always interesting to see who they pick…
Go on a ghost tour
Even if you don’t see any actual ghosts, ghost tours are generally held in historic places filled with stories, so they can be a fun way to learn about a new place or to get to know your local history better.
Go shopping on Fifth Avenue New York
If you can, try to buy just one thing that you can take home and wear at fancy events. And if you can’t (or shouldn’t), it’s still interesting to see how the 1% lives.
Grow a beard
Let that facial hair go free and see what it looks like! Beards make men look distinguished, rugged, and just a bit older – and if you’re a bit unfortunate-looking, it covers that right up! So convenient.
Grow roses
Present your lover (or lover-to-be) with a dozen home-grown roses next Valentine’s Day – not only is it an even grander gesture than buying them from a store, it’s way cheaper.
Have a luxury holiday with white sand and cocktails
Not all holidays have to be culturally adventurous. Treat yourself to a holiday of pure relaxation by the beach, and switch off completely. Sometimes, you really just need a reset.
Pierce my ears
If you don’t have pierced ears yet, this could be a fun idea for a cheeky new look. It doesn’t hurt much at all, you can change the piercing depending on what you’re accessorising with, and if you get bored of it you can just take it out and it will close over by itself. It’s risk-free!
Plant a tree
Give back to Mother Nature and plant a tree. Try to pick one that’s native to your region – it will take to the environment more easily, and become a habitat for surrounding wildlife. Trees absorb carbon and help produce oxygen, so this is something small you can do to combat climate change.
Ring a church bell
You’ve seen the cartoons, where someone holds onto the rope for too long and is left dangling at the end of the giant bell. This is an actual risk! Which proves that ringing a church bell is not as easy or safe as it first appears. Listening to the chimes ring out across the town is well worth it though – how many other pastimes make a noise everyone in a six-mile radius can hear?
Stay in an Underwater Hotel
There are plenty of underwater hotels around the world, in Dubai, the Maldives, and Singapore. Falling asleep with not just tropical fish but stingrays and sharks at eye level is beautiful, if a little disconcerting. Find out what it would really be like to live under the sea.
Take a walk in the woods on a snowy night
Like the Robert Frost poem, walking through the woods in the dark and snow can be a meditative experience. The deep silence of the woods, broken only by the crunch of your boots through the ice, feels like you’re entering a dreamworld where your stresses and responsibilities can’t follow.
Walk on hot coals
FIrewalking has been practiced by ancient cultures all over the world as a test of one’s strength and courage, or as a rite of passage. It is possible to walk across burning hot coals without scorching your feet, if you do it safely and let a professional set it up for you.
Win a poker tournament
Being able to play poker well is always a good and useful skill – you never know when some cowboy is going to burst into your saloon and challenge you to a few rounds of Texas Holdem. If you practice online you don’t have to worry too much about your poker face while you learn the rules – but of course, playing in real life is way more fun.
Shave my head
If you’ve had a full head of hair your entire life, imagine the weight that would be lifted by just shaving it all off. It also suits a lot of people more than you might think, by bringing out the finer details of the face. It’s not as bold a move as it used to be!
Try a bidet
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