Once In Lifetime Travel Experiences to Cross Off Your Bucket List
Traveling is an exhilarating experience — a breath of fresh air that feeds your soul and recharges you for your next endeavor. Most importantly, traveling satisfies your adventurous cravings and allows you to explore depths of your being that you never thought were there.
Some people crave adventure, and then there are those who take it a notch higher. Forget about the “Ultimate Destinations” or “Top Tourist Spots to Visit” listings; let’s cross the boundary and traverse unique destinations where people don’t usually think of going.
If you really want to go “YOLO” by yourself or with your friends, consider these out-of-the-box travel ideas that will surely sweep you off your feet. Unconventional yet highly imaginative, visiting these spots is always an otherworldly, pleasant experience.
Attend La Tomatina (the World’s Largest Tomato Fight) in Buñol, Spain
If you don’t mind being hit with a red, mushy tomato right in the face, you’ll have fun at the La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain. Usually held on the 30th day of August, La Tomatina starts in Calle del Cid and the town’s main square. The festivities begin in the morning, so make sure that you sleep and wake up early so as not to miss the fun!
Here’s a quick heads-up: room accommodations may be scarce if you want to stay in Buñol. The municipality of Buñol has about 9,000 in population, a number that is dwarfed by the typical 50,000-strong people that participate in La Tomatina. So the recommendation is to book your rooms at Valencia, which is more or less 40 minutes away from Buñol.
Swim with Sharks in South Africa
If you want some shark action, there’s no place better than the best diving spots in South Africa. If you are hesitant about how safe shark diving is, shark attacks on humans are very rare. Experienced scuba divers go shark diving without additional protection, although you can also choose to be placed in a protective cage with your friends.
Some of the best shark diving spots in South Africa would be in Cape Town, Gansbaai, Mossel Bay, and Hermanus.
Visit Antarctica
Why visit Antarctica when the only things you can see are ice glaciers? Well, that’s so far off from the truth. The natural beauty of Antarctica and the fascinating living creatures you’ll encounter are worth the trip!
The penguins alone will make you giggle and laugh, and there’s the beautiful polar sunset that sets up a vivid, delightful scene. For the best experience, particularly weather-wise, try visiting Antarctica from December to February.
Get Covered in Colors During the Holi Holiday in India
The Holi holiday is the world’s most popular festival of colors. Throughout the festivities, you’ll find yourself covered with many colors, quite literally. As a celebration of the love of Hindu gods Radha and Krishna, Holi is a prominent Hindu festival that primarily takes place in India, typically on the 25th day of March.
Attend a Dinner with Complete Strangers
When they say that food brings people together, how about you take it to the next level and dine with people you’ve never known before? When traveling, connect with locals or fellow travelers and share stories over dinner. You can meet up with travelers in different apps, including Eatwith, Backpackr, Meetup, Tourlina, and Couchsurfing.
Go on a Safari at Serengeti National Park
How about a trip to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania? You can participate in exciting safari activities, including nature walks, game drives, camping, a trip to the Bologonja Springs, and even a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari.
Visit a National Park and Go Unplugged with No Phones or Devices for a Week
Should you need time off from your everyday routines, there’s nothing better than turning off your devices and plunging into nature’s comfort. Take a trip to a national park, set up your tent or book a cabin, and listen to the sounds of nature without the rhythmic chimes of your smartphone.
*Pro Tip - Once you’ve gotten your fix of unplugged living for a week, make plans to visit New York City for a contrasting urban living experience.
Stay in an Old Castle in Europe
Have you ever dreamt of living in a castle and getting the royal treatment? Well, if you have the money, you can make this dream come true. There are tons of castle hotels where you can spend the night in Europe, including Amberley Castle, Glenapp Castle, Ashford Castle, Ellenbourgh Park, Castel Monastero, Pousada Castelo Estremoz, and Hotel Schoenberg.