My Bucket List: 13 Travel Experiences That Will Change How You See the World
If you’re reading this, it’s because, like me, you feel that little “twitch” in your heart every time you look at a map. I’m not trying to sell you a destination; I want to share those moments that have taken my breath away, those that reminded me why I chose to be an Experience Designer and not just a travel agent.
For me, true luxury isn’t a thousand-thread-count sheet, but the ability to stop time. Here’s my personal Bucket List with 13 experiences that, I promise, will transform you.
1. The Dance of Lights in Iceland
There’s no way to prepare for your first glimpse of the Northern Lights. You’re there, in the absolute silence of the Arctic, and suddenly the sky decides to dance in shades of green and purple. It’s a humbling experience in the face of nature, and Iceland is the perfect destination to witness it. As an added bonus: Don’t leave without snorkeling in the Silfra fissure. Swimming between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in waters so crystal clear they seem unreal is, quite literally, being in two worlds at once. And to top it all off, nothing beats rye bread baked under the hot sand by volcanic energy at Laugarvatn Fontana.
2. Fly over the Soul of the Okavango, Botswana
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a labyrinth of water flowing into the desert. But seeing it from a helicopter (no doors, please!) is a completely different experience. You feel the wind in your face as you track herds of elephants and giraffes from the air, seeing trails only the animals know. To top it off: After the adrenaline rush from the air, I would take you to the Tsodilo Hills to see rock paintings thousands of years old. It’s connecting with our ancestors at the place where it all began.
3. The Leap of Faith at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
If you need an emotional reset, bungee jumping from the bridge that connects Zimbabwe and Zambia is the answer. It’s a 111-meter freefall with the roar of the Zambezi River in the background. It’s terrifying, yes, but the feeling of freedom as you bounce over the Zambezi River is priceless. To complement this: To lower your heart rate, swimming in the Devil’s Pool (if it’s the dry season), right on the edge of the abyss, is the best shock therapy.
4. The Silence of the Great Pyramid, Egypt
Forget the crowds in Egypt . What I’ve designed for you is a private tour of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Being alone in the King’s Chamber, listening to your own breath in a place that has witnessed millennia, is an almost mystical experience. To complement this: Afterward, we can lose ourselves in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, savoring the aromas of spices and enjoying a traditional coffee, or visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum to see Tutankhamun’s treasure before anyone else.
5. Petra: Much more than a Pink Facade
Crossing the Siq and seeing the Treasury appear among the rocks is a classic, but Petra is immense. I would challenge you to climb the 800 steps to the Monastery ( Ad-Deir ) to watch the sunset with a Bedouin tea in hand. To top it all off: You have to sleep under the stars in Wadi Rum, that red desert that looks like Mars, and experience the hospitality of the Bedouins around a campfire.
6. Rishikesh: The Luxury of Finding Oneself
Living in an ashram in India isn’t a vacation; it’s a retreat for your inner self. Waking up at 5:00 AM to the sound of mantras and meditating facing the Ganges cleanses your soul. For those seeking to go a step further, Rishikesh is also the ideal place to undergo Panchakarma , the deep detoxification process of Ayurveda. It’s not just about cleansing the body, but about resetting the mind, emotions, and energy in an environment designed for healing. To complement this experience: At sunset, witness the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan. Seeing hundreds of candles floating on the river while prayers are chanted is an unforgettable experience.
7. Toast Among the Mountains in South Africa
Touring the South African vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is a feast for the senses. Estates like Waterford Estate offer chocolate and wine tastings that are pure poetry. The golden light on the Helderberg Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for a gourmet picnic. As a complement to the experience, a visit to Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela walked to freedom, is a must. It’s a necessary reminder of human resilience as we savor the beauty of the present.
8. Floating over the Serengeti, Tanzania
Imagine this: ascending in a hot air balloon at dawn, in total silence, watching the savanna awaken below you. Seeing Tanzania‘s wildlife from the air is like witnessing the Earth’s heartbeat. We finish with a champagne breakfast in the heart of the Serengeti. As a bonus: A descent into the Ngorongoro Crater is a must. It’s a natural paradise where you can see the Big Five in a single day.
9. Looking a Gorilla in the Eyes, Uganda
Hiking through the impenetrable Bwindi Rainforest is tough, but the moment you come face to face with a family of mountain gorillas, everything stops. That look of recognition you exchange with a silverback is the most human encounter you’ll ever have with another species. As an added bonus: Meeting the Batwa community and learning how they lived in harmony with the rainforest before it became a national park teaches us the true meaning of conservation.
10. The Last of Their Kind in Kenya
Visiting Ol Pejeta to meet Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos in the world, is a powerful wake-up call. Being close to them and hearing their story from their caretakers changes your perspective on our responsibility to the planet. To top it off: A night safari in the reserve to see leopards or lions hunting adds that necessary adrenaline rush after a day of reflection.
11. The Andean Magic of Machu Picchu, Peru
Climbing to the Inca citadel is a dream, but I prefer you do it calmly, understanding the cosmology behind each stone. The energy of that place at dawn, before the tourist trains arrive, is something that can’t be explained, only felt. As an added bonus: The Sacred Valley holds secrets like the Maras Salt Mines and the Moray terraces. These are landscapes that seem straight out of an abstract painting and speak to the wisdom of an ancient civilization.
12. Vietnam: Between Rice Fields and Resilience
Ninh Binh is, for me, the most photogenic place in Vietnam. Sailing in a sampan among fields of golden rice paddies and limestone mountains is incredibly peaceful. But Vietnam is also history; entering the Vinh Moc tunnels, where entire villages lived underground during the war, is a lesson in survival. To complement this: A trek through the rice terraces of Sapa, interacting with ethnic minorities, reminds us that beauty often springs from hard work and the land.
13. Göbeklitepe: Where Faith Was Born
In Turkey, far from the bright lights of Istanbul, lies Göbeklitepe. It’s the oldest temple in the world, standing at 12,000 years old! It predates writing and agriculture. Being there is literally like touching the origins of human civilization. To complement this, Şanlıurfa is an incredible holy city. Visiting the Pool of Abraham and then going to Mount Nemrut to see the giant stone heads at sunset completes the circle of history.
Traveling isn’t about collecting passport stamps; it’s about collecting moments that make you feel more alive. These experiences are just the beginning. If any of these stories resonated with you, write to me. Let’s design together that trip that will leave an indelible mark on your life.
Which of these will be your next adventure?
With love, Ari Garduño
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