If you are looking for your next thrill-seeking advenutre then here are 10 incredible bucket list adventures that promise unforgettable experiences, adrenaline rushes, and breathtaking scenery

1. Hike to Machu Picchu, Peru

Hiking to Machu Picchu is a dream adventure for many travelers, combining breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and a rewarding physical challenge. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes a variety of treks, the most popular being the iconic Inca Trail. The 4-day journey through the Andes Mountains includes walking through the original Inca stone paths, visiting ruins like Wiñay Wayna, and arriving at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for sunrise over Machu Picchu. The hike is 26 miles (43 km) and requires a permit through licensed tour operators due to limited amount of tourists - 500 people allowed per day. So if you are planning to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the world then make sure to plan in advance so you don't miss out on your adventure bucket list.

💡Top Tip : Morning entry (6 AM - 12 PM) is best for fewer crowds & better photos.

2. Hot Air Balloon Over Cappadocia, Turkey

Perhaps one of the most magical bucket-list experiences in the world, the famous hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia should be part of your bucket list travel adventures. Floating above its surreal "fairy chimney" rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and vast valleys at sunrise feels like stepping into a dream. The balloons glide low enough to peek into hidden canyons and high enough for sweeping views of the region’s patchwork of vineyards, orchards, and pastel-hued rockscapes. April to October offers the best weather—mild temperatures and clear skies. Peak season is June-August, but spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are less crowded.

There are a variety of reputable companies to book this expereince from depending on what type of balloon you are after. If you are looking for a luxury experience then Royal Balloon provides this. If you are looking for great value for money then we recommend checking out Kapadokya Balloons. If you are want to stay close by to all the action then the town of Göreme is at the heart of ballooning and offers cave hotels and rooftop terraces. This adventure is less about adrenaline and more about a peaceful, almost meditative way to see one of Earth’s most beautiful places.

💡Top Tip: Book in advance if you are visiting during peak season. Only 150 balloons fly daily, so spots fill up fast.

3. Safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania

A safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania, is the ultimate wildlife adventure, offering front-row seats to nature’s greatest spectacles, from the Great Migration to thrilling Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) encounters. Stretching across northern Tanzania and into Kenya, the Serengeti National Park is a vast, untamed wilderness teeming with wildlife. A safari here is more than just a trip, it’s an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Africa’s most famous ecosystem. The Serengeti is synonymous for the jaw-dropping natural phenomenon of the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains in a never-ending cycle of survival.

There are multiple ways to explore this iconic wilderness whether you prefer luxury, adventure, or cultural immersion, there’s a safari style for all. Perhaps the most popular is the classic game drive safari where you are taken in open-top 4x4 deep into the bush with an expert guide. Make sure to pick a suitable operator beforehand to ensure a spot depending on your prefrences. If you are wondering where to stay then again there is accommodations for every traveler, including luxury lodges to mobile tented camps. A safari in the Serengeti is a dream come true for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers. The sheer abundance of animals, the dramatic landscapes, and the rawness of nature make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

💡Top Tip: Time your visit for key wildlife events. Great Migration (Jun-Oct), Calving Season (Jan-Mar), Shoulder Seasons (Apr-May & Nov)

4. Dive the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

If you are a keen diver then this one is perfect to add to your bucket list travel ideas. Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Diving here offers an unforgettable experience with its vibrant marine life, stunning coral formations, and crystal-clear waters. Iconic sites within the Great Barrier Reef include; Code Hole (famous for giant potato cod), Ribbon Reefs (great for drift diving), Osprey Reef (deep-sea diving with sharks), The Yongala Wreck (one of the best wreck dives). Options range from beginner-friendly guided dives to live aboard trips for experienced divers. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, diving the Great Barrier Reef is a plunge into an underwater wonderland, perfect for those adventure seekers and nature lovers.

💡Top Tip: Book with operators like Quicksilver or Reef Magic. Bring sunscreen, a rash guard, and an underwater camera. Check conservation rules (no touching coral!)

5. Bungee Jump in Queenstown, New Zealand

Bungee jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand, is a standout adventure on any thrill-seeker’s bucket list. Known as the "Adventure Capital of the World," Queenstown is where commercial bungee jumping began, thanks to AJ Hackett’s first jump off the Kawarau Bridge in 1988. The jumps come with epic views of mountains, rivers, and valleys, and a serious rush of adrenaline. There are three main bungee sites in Queenstown; Kawarau Bridge (43m), Nevis Bungy (134m) and The Ledge (47m) each with unique features.

Kawarau offers history, Nevis delivers raw intensity, and The Ledge pairs convenience with views. Make sure to reserve ahead of time for Nevis and Combos as during peak seasons (December-February, June-August) they can book up quickly. So if you are looking to add to your bucket list travel adventures then this experince is a true bucket-list moment for thrill-seekers and a rite of passage in Queenstown.

💡Top Tip: Wear comfy clothes, secure glasses (or use provided safety ones), and eat light—big breakfasts and free falls don’t mix

6. Explore the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil or Peru

Navigate the world’s largest rainforest by boat or on foot, encountering exotic wildlife like jaguars, piranhas, and pink dolphins, while immersing yourself in its lush, untamed beauty. The Amazon Rainforest spans across nine countries, but Brazil (60% of the total area) and Peru (13%) are prime entry points for exploration. Whether you enter through Brazil (Manaus is the main gateway) or Peru (Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado), you can expect a thrilling adevnture through nature’s greatest masterpiece.

A key highlight that should be added to your adventure bucket list when visiting the Amazon is a jungle river cruise. An Amazon River cruise is one of the most immersive and comfortable ways to experience the rainforest’s breathtaking biodiversity, remote tributaries, and indigenous cultures. A cruise in Brazil includes witnessing the meeting of waters where the dark Rio Negro and muddy Amazon flow side by side. In Peru a river cruise will take you through the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve, a biodiverse flooded forest. If you are keen to explore the Amazon by river cruise then the Aqua Amazon or Delfin Amazon Cruises will provide a mix of both comfort and deep-jungle exploration. Whether you're cruising its mighty rivers, trekking through dense foliage, or learning from indigenous guides, the Amazon offers an adventure like no other. It truly is a bucket-list adventure for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and eco-travellers alike.

💡Top Tip: Hire a local guide - A skilled guide can make the difference between just seeing trees and truly experiencing the jungle

7. Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

If you are looking for the ultimate adreniline rush then volcano boarding is a must to add to your bucket list adventures. Nicaragua is the only place in the world where you can board on an active volcano! The ride takes place on Cerro Negro, a young volcano near León. After a 45-minute hike up the steep slope, you suit up in a protective jumpsuit and goggles, then launch yourself down the 728-meter slope, reaching speeds up to 50–60 km/h (30–40 mph) on a custom sled or board. If you are keen to give this thrilling expereince a try then popular operators like Bigfoot Hostel or Volcano Day offer daily tours. So if you love adrenaline and quirky adventures, volcano boarding is a must-do in Nicaragua.

💡Top Tip: Closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and courage highly recommended

8. Road Trip on Route 66, USA

Taking a road trip on Route 66 is a classic American adventure, often called the “Main Street of America.” Stretching nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, this iconic highway winds through 8 states, showcasing a nostalgic mix of quirky roadside attractions, vintage motels, old-school diners, and dramatic landscapes. If you are wanting to expereince the full route this will most likley take 10-14 days and you'll kick off your joruney in Chicago. The route winds through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, ending at the Pacific Ocean. Expect a mix of small-town charm and big-sky vistas—think cornfields giving way to desert, with the Grand Canyon as a detour option. Highlights include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the eerie ghost town of Oatman, AZ, and the grand finale at Santa Monica Pier, where you can dip your toes in the Pacific. This journey is more than just a road trip, it’s a celebration of Americana, freedom, and adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just love the open road, this journey delivers unforgettable memories.

💡Top Tip: Take it slow. Route 66 is all about the journey, not the destination—pull over often, explore small towns, and enjoy the ride

9. See the Northern Lights, Norway or Iceland

Witnessing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Iceland and Norway are two of the best places on Earth to see this dazzling natural light show and should be part of your bucket list travel adventures. If you are planning on visiting Iceland then the Northren lights are easily accessible from Reykjavik or further afield places like Vík, Snæfellsnes Peninsula or Thingvellir National Park.

If Norway is on your travel bucket list then head to Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic," or venture to the Lofoten Islands for epic scenery. Norway’s coastal mountains and fjords create dramatic viewing spots for the Aurora Borealis. Both Norway and Iceland offer slightly different expereinces depending on what you are looking for but both offer sightings of the Northen Lights. If you are looking for a higher chance of seeing the lights and Artic adventures then Norway is the place to be. Choose Iceland for for diverse and dramatic landscapes as well as geothermal wonders.

10. Swim with Whale Sharks in Mexico

Mexico is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, the ocean’s gentle giants. These magnificent creatures are the largest fish on Earth (up to 40 feet long), and migrate to Mexico’s warm waters between June and September. The most popular place to swim with the whales are Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres, or Cancún, this is where the sharks migrate seasonally to feed on plankton in the warm Caribbean waters.

During the excursion you'll head out early on a boat with a small group and snorkel alongside the sharks in open water. Whale sharks are slow swimmers, so you can easily keep pace for a surreal up-close experience. Due to the nature of this expereince, it is important to choose an ethical tour-operator that follows eco-conscious practices such as VIP Holbox Experience or Baja Adventure Co. To help you choose the right operator look out for operators that are Eco-certified (e.g., Blue Flag or Responsible Tourism certified). Avoid companies that allow you to touch or chase whale sharks. For the best possible expereince make sure to book in advance, with seasons running from June to mid-September and peak sightings in July and August. Swimming with whale sharks in Mexico is a bucket list gem that should be added to your bucket list travel adventures.

💡Top Tip: Choose an eco-conscious tour operator that follows guidelines to protect the sharks

Hopefully this list of bucket list adventures sparked your wanderlust and gets your adrenaline pumping – from once-in-a-lifetime journeys to iconic natural wonders and thrilling cultural experiences.