Bucket list adventures USA

Crazy adventures, travel bucket list trips, wild experiences: youve dreamed it, you can do it. From the best destinations for adventure travel to the most absolutely insane adventures you can have, here are 21 ultimate bucket list ideas to change your life.

Travelers, these are for you. Pack up and get ready for some of best international adventures around.

1. Road trip the Karakoram Highway

You cant talk about bucket list travel destinations without mentioning Pakistan. Its only adventure travels crown jewel, after all. And what better way to experience its magic than via a road trip through the 8th Wonder of the World, the Karakoram Highway?

From the delicious history, culture and food of Lahore to the unbelievable beauty of Gilgit Baltistan, the entire country is epic, but the Karakoram Highway alone is enough of a reason to make a backpacking adventure in Pakistan a bucket list trip ASAP.

The famous Karakoram Highway [which connects Pakistan with China] coasts along some of the most beautiful views Ive personally ever seen. The iconic Passu Cones along with a multitude of other mountains and iconic scenery will greet you.

Other must stops along the highway include:

• Hussaini Suspension Bridge
• Attabad Lake
• Batura Lake
• The Passu Glacier
• And if you like meat, the best restaurant I may have ever visited in my life: the Yak Grill near the Passu Cones!

A week is enough to get a good feel for the highway [including the Karakoram National Park where hundreds of yaks and marmots live], though youd need a lifetime to truly get to know Pakistan.

2. Take in India by train

Traveling through India on its extensive railway network is a life-changing experience. I experienced it in 2019 [or part of the country anyway] and to say its a bucket list adventure is a massive understatement.

India is truly a multitude of worlds within worlds, and traveling by train is the best way to see it all. You can visit almost every part of the country via India Railways, except for some of its more mountainous regions.

Start your trip in New Delhi, head to Rajasthan, and keep making your way south until you hit Indias magical beaches and coastline. Make a U-Shape to hit the East Coast, and dont forget about Northeast India, the 7 sister states that will make you feel like youre in a different country altogether.

3. Self-drive through Namibia

Have you heard of Namibia? If not, you should! This African beauty should be on every stargazer/astrophotographers collection of bucket list countries.

But even if youre not too keen on either of those things, odds are youll love a self-drive through Namibia.

Exploring Namibia with your own vehicle will also allow you to go for a full-on independent safariall at your own pace.

The real highlight of a Namibia self-drive is a camp-out at NamibRand. The nature reserve is one of only a few gold-certified dark sky reserves, meaning on a clear night with little moonlight, youre in for the best star show of your life!

4. Experience the magic of Bhutan

Bhutan should be at the top of every travelers bucket list destinations list. The South Asian Kingdom borders both India and Tibet and is one of the few countries in the world that makes visitors pay a minimum daily rate.

While this might sound rather hefty at $250/day, Bhutan uses the money to preserve its heritage and provide for its citizens. Its also the worlds only carbon-negative country!

Taking a trip to Bhutan is tricky, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The beauty of Bhutans landscapes, delicious food, ancient and well-preserved historical sites, and a culture very few have been able to experienceits truly one of those places thats worth saving up for.

If you do make it to one of the most incredible countries in the world, must-dos include:

• Entering the beautiful Tigers Nest monastery
• Checking out the phallus-fixated village of Sopsokha,
• And heading out on a trek or two.

Since the $250/day package requires a guide, you can either choose a fixed route or exert some control over your itinerary.

5. Go Backpacking: Travel the world on $10/day!

And now for what I consider to be the best of all possible bucket list adventures: traveling the world on $10 a day.

Traveling on a low budget in epic countries taught me more about life and the world than 18 years of school ever did. Eating street food, finding out what a hostel was, making unforgettable memories in the most beautiful of placesthese are but some of the benefits of traveling the world on a shoestring.

It forces you out of your comfort zone, thrusts you into new ways of life, and is absolutely 100% guaranteed to bring about some crazy adventures. If theres just one thing on this adventure list that you ACTUALLY end up doing, let it be this one.

Everybody needs to try budget travel. At least once.

The type of adventure ideas that really scream bucket list.

6. Sail to Antarctica

Being the most unexplored continent by far, Antarctica is one of those bucket list trips of a lifetime. Unknown, dangerous and infrequently visited, a sailing trip to Antarctica might just be in a category all of its own.

A place where you can see nature at its most raw and wildlife at its least disturbed, a trip to Antarctica comes at a high price tag, and a high amount of penguins to be seen.

The journey will take you through rough seas to quite literally the end of the earth. But all that it entails is well worth the rewardtheres no bucket list inspiration on Earth quite like Antarctica!

7. Cycle the Pamir Highway

Vast, magical, high and about as remote as it gets, the Pamir Highway [or M41] is typically ridden from Osh in Kyrgyzstan to Dushanbe in Tajikistan [or vice versa if you prefer].

Its highest point is over 4600m, and the landscapes along the way make the Pamir Highway an essential travel bucket list item.The sights youll see in Central Asia and, particularly, while traveling through Kyrgyzstan are nothing short of otherworldly.

While you can hitchhike, self-drive, or hire a driver, the most extreme way to see the highway is undoubtedly from the saddle of a cycle.

With the ability to wild camp anywhere along the way, youll get to see Pamir at its rawest, and feel pretty damn accomplished after cycling over 1200 km through two countries!

8. Up the fear factor by bungee jumping in New Zealand

An extreme bucket list adventure that will be sure to REALLY get your heart pumping is the famous bungee jump in Queenstown, New Zealand. At 134 m high, the Nevis Bungee jump is made for adrenaline junkies. After a 35-minute 4×4 ride, youll find yourself at the highest bungee point in all of New Zealand.

Any last thoughts or prayers?

Joking! But you might want to keep in mind that dropping 134 m in less than 10 seconds might raise your blood pressure a little! There are TONS of companies in Queenstown to check off this crazy bucket list idea with, and you can expect to pay around $200.

9. Go paragliding in Interlaken, Switzerland

Yes, paragliding might be one crazy bucket list idea, but isnt that the point of an adventure?

Switzerland is known for its state-of-art paragliding locales, and Interlaken is one of the best areas in Switzerland to head to if youre serious about getting a taste of life as a bird.

Clearly, paragliding isnt something to be taken lightly! If youve never done it before, youre going to need some lessons and a guide for your first few flights.

Luckily, Interlaken has dozens of companies to choose from to help you make the most out of this big bucket list adventure!

6. Embark on a journey to K2 Base Camp

So youve probably heard of the EBC [Everest Base Camp] Trek, but have you heard of the trek to K2 Base Camp, a journey that allows you to get up close and personal with the 2nd highest [and MOST DANGEROUS] mountain in the world? The amount of incredible hikes in Pakistan is truly impressive, but few can compare to K2.

Known as the Savage Mountain, K2 has only been successfully summitted a handful of times due to its insane weather conditions and numerous other technical difficulties. But while reaching the summit is for trained professionals, you can make it to the basecamp with only moderate fitness.

While it certainly can be categorized as one of those extreme bucket list ideas, this trek is perhaps the most beautiful in the world as it allows you to take in some other-worldly scenery.

Due to its extreme nature, you need a NOC and a licensed guide to check the K2 Basecamp Trek off this bucket list adventure. But, well, that feeling of pride?

That lasts a lifetime.

The type of bucket list trips that you might not even have considered.

11. Get on the saddle of a horse in Mongolia

Mongolia is one of the wildest countries in the world: with rolling grassy plains that make up thousands of kilometers in area, its a landscape thats best seen via horseback.

Riding through the Mongolian plateau on four legs might just SOUND like one of those crazy bucket list ideas, but its seriously doable. If youre extra experienced on the saddle, you can even potentially opt to go on a solo ride.

But for most of us, arranging a trek with a Mongolian company is the best [and safest] option. Ulaanbaatarthe capitalis the best place to start your trip and plan further.

But keep in mind that travel in Mongolia is extremely seasonalthis is a bucket list country best experienced during the summer.

12. Get up close to volcanoes in Russias Kamchatka Peninsula

Russias Kamchatka peninsula is well known amongst Russians but is often left off of most other travelers adventure bucket list. The 1,250 km long peninsula is made up of some of the worlds rawest landscapes, tons of wildlife, and even active volcanoes.

Kamchatka is located in Russias far-east and has a dramatic climate with a short window of opportunity to visit. July-August is the best time to soak it all in, though youd be able to manage without catching hypothermia any time from May-September.

Make sure you dont miss Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest volcano on Kamchatka as well as the highest active volcano in all of Eurasia!

13. Fly over Bagan, Myanmar, in a hot air balloon

Myanmar is a magical place to visit, but Bagan is an especially magical place. Over 2,000 ancient temples, pagodas, and a ton of greenery fill the ancient city which is best viewed at sunrise from above.

Each morning, the sky above Bagan becomes filled with balloons, which is undoubtedly the best way to view this one-of-a-kind landscape.

Personally, Im a fan of the temples at sunset, but be sure to check them out at both breaks of day to see which one you prefer yourself. You can also visit the inside of some of the pagodas!

Balloon rentals can be arranged at MANY places nearby [including your Bagan hostel].

14. Visit the Ancient Angkor Wat

Cambodias signature bucket list inspo is a 900 year old temple complex that used to be covered in gold.

Angkor Wat is located not far from the center of the city of Siem Reap which in and of itself is quite a small area of Cambodia to stay. The best way to take in the spiritual, ancient structures is via tuk-tuk, or better yet bicycle. Both are easy to rent from any accommodation in Siem Reap, but you can also do it online beforehand!

For the best adventure list experience, try to make it to Angkor Wat for sunrise. Cambodia is generally hot AF year-round, but its on another level in the summer.

To enjoy the temples without feeling like youre quite literally melting, visit during the cool months of December-February.

It will take days to see all the temples, and whether you buy the 1, 2, or 3-day pass is entirely up to you, but make sure you dont miss these specifically: Ta Prohm [where jungle meets history], Bayon, and of course, the namesake Angkor Wat which will greet you upon entry!

15. Drive across the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

Covering an area of more than 4,000 square miles, the Salar de Uyuni [AKA the famous Bolivian salt flats] is the largest in the world of its kind. Its truly impossible to describe just HOW flat the region truly is. Basically, its one of those bucket list adventures that truly feels extraplanetary.

Uyuni can be explored by bicycle, car, or with a tour. You also have the option to hire a driver if you prefer.
Salar de Uyuni is one of the best things to do while traveling in Bolivia, but also just one of the more unique bucket list adventures out there. Its certainly not every day that youll have the opportunity to soak in one of the planets rarest landscapes.

Bucket list trips that are sure to be remembered for years to come.

16. Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

The secret city of Machu Picchu is known by all travelersits one of those bucket list travel adventures everyone has had their eye on at one time or another. And for good reasonthe trek to the ruins is truly one-of-a-kind.

The best part is that there are MANY routes that lead to Machu Picchu, all of varying difficulty and length. The 26-mile Inca Trail is by far the most popular, and while beautiful, that means your experience will be far from private. A permit is also required to tread along the famous Inca Trail.

For those that are looking for lesser-touristed Incan sites, off-beat alternatives include the difficult Vilcabamba Traverse or via the infrequently visited ruins of Choquequirao. Keep in mind that the dry season runs from April-October, and trust me take that seriouslyyou dont want to hike in a downpour!

17. See the Great Barrier Reef

Situated along the North Queensland Coast, travellers on Australias East Coast will find the Great Barrier Reef. Its hard to missits the longest in the world. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is one of the worlds most well-known bucket list ideas.

The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest coral reef system. Stretching along over 2,000 km and containing nearly 3,000 individual reefs, this is a bucket list adventure that you seriously wont find anywhere else in the world. Because its one of a kind.

There are many places to choose to base yourself near the Great Barrier Reef, and considering its so long, there are plenty of stay options as well.

Cairns is considered to be the main gateway to the reef, though if youre on a budget you can opt for the more wallet-friendly Townsville.

18. Trek through Patagonia

Patagonia in Argentina is one of the most stunning places you can trek IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. Period.

The Torres del Paine Circuit [located in Torres del Paine National Park] is the most popular of the dozens of hiking trails in Patagonia and will give you unreal multi-day views of jagged, snow-covered peaks and glacial lakes that come in shades of blue you never even knew existed.

The entire trek is about 80 km [50 miles] and the highest point is just below 1200 m. Though the distance may sound daunting, the altitude isnt that high meaning anyone of average fitness should be able to enjoy this bucket list adventure.

19. See the Northern Lights in Scandinavia

A bucket list for travel cant leave out seeing the Northern Lightsthis epic phenomenon is a top Earthly-adventure that you really have to see to believe! As great as photos are, they simply cannot do them justice.

Finland, Norway, and Sweden are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights due to their polar locations. But dont make the mistake of thinking you can see them all year-round; the window for Aurora Borealis sightings is within October-November and February-March.

Self-guided trips and tours are both possible, if you decide to head out on your own make sure your itinerary dates are generous, its not a given that the lights will be visible every night.

20. Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro

Few mountains can compare to Tanzanias Mt. Kilimanjaro. Trekking to its summit is undoubtedly something to put on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure bucket list. At 5,895 meters, its summit is the so-called roof of Africa and will prove to be a meaty challenge.

Unlike other bucket list adventure ideas, Mt. Kilimajaro can NOT be done independently. Luckily, there are dozens upon dozens of companies to choose from when booking your adventure tour.

When selecting a company, keep in mind youll get what you pay for in terms of comfort and food. Combine it with an independent backpacking trip through Tanzania to get the most out of flight prices!

21. Road trip through Americas National Parks

With 63 parks to choose from, Americas national park system is in a class of its own. Each of the very different park options offers a different kind of adventure bucket list item to experience.

From seeking out alligators in the Florida Everglades to experiencing the White Sands Park in New Mexico to the many, many hiking opportunities each of the 63 holds, theres no better way to see the US than via a road trip through some of its best natural assets.

If youre planning to visit a ton of parks, your most wallet-friendly option is to buy an annual pass, which will quite literally save you hundreds that you could be spending on other bucket list adventures!

You cant show up to a bucket list trip of a lifetime unprepared! A good set of backpacking gear [and good travel insurance] goes a long way.

Here are some of our top recommendations on what should go in your pack, and as always, we recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance to protect it all with.

And Pack Some Damn Travel Insurance!

Ok, so you cant pack travel insurance BUT its absolutely daft not travel without it. You truly never know whats going to happen on the road, and if something not so ideal does, you want to make sure you [and your wallet] are protected.

Do you want to be another sad case on GoFundMe of an adventurer who thought they were too cool for travel insurance?

Didnt think so.

We highly recommend you choose from one of the top travel insurance companies that has a good reputation for assisting travelers in far out lands.

Here at The Broke Backpacker, we always recommend World Nomads for all your trust travel insurance needs. Check out our World Nomads review so you too can protect yourself, your valuables, and your trip!

And there, you have it: 21 absolutely epic bucket list adventures that are sure to tingle your travel senses!From road trips to climbing some crazy mountains, to seeing some of the worlds most unique landscapes, these adventure list ideas have something for every kind of traveler.

So what are you waiting for? Plan the trip, book the flight, and cross off those bucket list destinations!

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