You’ve probably seen the movie some time ago, where the old man draws up a ‘bucket list’ – a list of things he’d like to do before he dies. Well, we’ve been thinking lately of our travel bucket list, and the following 10 would definitely make the list (ignoring for a short while our budgets!) What’s on your travel bucket list?

Our bucket list

1. A trip to Antarctica

Cruise to Antarctica on a smaller cruise ship that actually stops and you get to step onto the Antarctica continent. Some ships even have helicopters to ferry you to land – and also give you a spectacular viewpoint. You probably only get to do this once, so do it properly.

2. Alaska

But the question here is when to go? Summer or Winter? Both are incredible experiences. Summer in Alaska is wonderful – the sun doesn’t want to set, the salmon are running and people are energized by limitless daylight. But Winter will show you the quintessential Alaska. The scenery is spectacular, and this is the time to see the aurora borealis.

3. Canada

Need time to do this one – the thing to do is to see every season in Canada: spring, summer, winter and fall (or autumn as we know it). The change between seasons is dramatic, and each new season presents a magnificent landscape. Keen photographers will love this!

4. Everest in Nepal

Even if you’ll never actually climb to the top, just a trip to base camp, at 5,364 metres above sea level, is an achievement. Expect dramatic views of some of the world’s highest mountains. Expect not to look at life in quite the same way again.

5. The Kingdom of Bhutan

Bhutan allows less than 30 000 tourists a year. Visitors must be guests of the government, or on a approved travel programme. It’s expensive – but it’s exclusive. It’s fascinating. It’s unique.

6. The wildlife migrations in the Masai Mara or Serengeti

Africa at its very best. See thousands upon thousands of migrating animals on the African plains. While you’re there, take a hot air balloon trip to get a whole new perspective on our natural planet.

7. The Great Barrier Reef

Another natural wonder well worth a visit. To do this one properly, you need to spend a few days on a live-aboard boat. This means that you can get out to the best parts of the reef; places a day trip cannot get you to. You don’t need to be able to scuba dive, but you will miss out on a whole new world if you don’t! Take a scuba course before this bucket list item.

8. One of the great train journeys

Here, we can’t even decide which one yet… would it be The Ghan, that travels through the heart of Australia, through the ‘Red Centre’? Or a steam train through India? Or the incredible Trans-Siberian rail journey, the longest in the world?

9. Hike the Inca trail

Hike through the South American jungle and Inca tunnels to the incredible Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. There are easier, and more difficult options – no matter which option you choose, you will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

10. The villages of Italy

Drive through the Italian countryside with little more than a small rental vehicle and a map. Drift through beautiful old villages where pavements become cafés in the evening, and the village gathers on the streets to eat, drink and talk the hours away.

We’ve cheated a little here, we must admit: There is something in our top 10 that hasn’t been included, because it’s on its way! A trip to the Chelsea Flower Show. XL Millennium Travel has a tour to the Chelsea Flower Show and English Gardens next year – there’s one item ticked off our bucket list!

Posted by Millennium Travel on August 30, 2011