5 Different Ways to Tick Off Your Travel Bucket List

In Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, thousands of wildebeest and zebras gather along the Mara River during the annual Great Migration. From a four-wheel-drive safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, you can watch the herds moving across the grasslands toward the water.

Some animals hesitate on the steep riverbanks before attempting to cross, while crocodiles may be waiting in the river below.

The main migration season typically runs from July to October, with August and September often providing the best opportunities to see river crossings. However, the timing varies with rainfall and grazing conditions, and sightings are never guaranteed. Herds sometimes gather for hours before crossing or turn away entirely.

Experienced guides follow the herds’ movements and choose suitable viewing areas. They also keep vehicles at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the animals.

Allowing several days in the reserve improves your chances of seeing a crossing, especially during the busy migration season. This is an important consideration when planning Kenya safari trips focused on the Mara River.

Staying at a camp with convenient access to the river can reduce travel time, leaving more opportunities to observe the herds and other wildlife, including lions, elephants and giraffes, making it one of the most rewarding bucket list travel experiences in East Africa.

Near Filisur in Switzerland’s Graubünden region, the Landwasser Viaduct curves across a steep gorge before disappearing directly into a mountainside tunnel.

The six-arched stone bridge stands 65 meters above the river and is one of the highlights of both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express routes. From a panoramic carriage, passengers can look down into the valley as the train rounds the bend, with forested slopes rising on either side.

The crossing lasts only a short time, but the journey through Graubünden has plenty more to see. Trains pass through mountain tunnels and alongside steep hillsides, with small villages and deep valleys appearing between stretches of forest.

The Albula Line forms part of the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway, known for its bridges and winding routes through the Swiss Alps.

For the panoramic experience, choose the Glacier Express or a Bernina Express service traveling from Chur, as departures starting in St. Moritz don’t cross the Landwasser Viaduct.

Both trains require advance seat reservations in addition to a valid ticket. Regular regional trains between Chur and St. Moritz also cross the bridge, offering a more flexible option for travelers who don’t need panoramic carriages.

Check the route before booking, as engineering work can occasionally cause diversions.

Along St Lucia’s southwestern coast, Gros Piton and Petit Piton rise sharply above the Caribbean Sea, their forested slopes overlooking Soufrière Bay.

The twin volcanic peaks are part of the UNESCO-listed Pitons Management Area, and seeing them from a boat gives you a clear sense of their height and shape. As you sail along the coastline, the mountains come into view from different angles, with small beaches and rocky headlands lining the shore.

Catamaran and small-boat excursions often include stops for swimming or snorkeling. At Anse Chastanet, coral reefs and tropical fish can be seen close to shore, while Sugar Beach sits between the Pitons.

December through April is generally the driest period, with calmer seas making it a popular time for sailing. However, individual trips and swimming stops depend on weather and sea conditions.

For travelers joining Caribbean cruises from UK ports, it’s important to check how much time the itinerary allows in St Lucia. For more ideas at sea, explore these bucket list cruises for active travellers.

Many cruise ships dock at Castries, north of Soufrière, so reaching the Pitons requires a longer coastal excursion. Choose a boat trip that allows enough time to enjoy the scenery and return to the ship before departure.

Cappadocia’s unusual landscape of fairy chimneys, rocky valleys and ancient cave dwellings is even more striking from a hot air balloon, making it a classic travel bucket list experience and one of the best things to do in Cappadocia.

Flights usually begin around sunrise, when colorful balloons rise above the valleys near Göreme.

From the basket, you can look down at towering rock formations, carved-out caves and narrow valleys as the morning light spreads across the hills.

Pilots adjust the balloon’s altitude as it drifts with the wind, sometimes passing near the rock formations before rising for wider views of the surrounding countryside. Love Valley and Pigeon Valley are among the area’s most recognizable landscapes, although the exact flight route depends on wind conditions.

Most balloon rides last around an hour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs.

Spring and fall are generally good times to visit, with mild temperatures and favorable flying conditions. However, balloon flights operate throughout the year and can be canceled when winds are too strong.

Book your flight in advance and schedule it for your first morning in Cappadocia, leaving another day available in case of cancellation. Bring a warm layer, as temperatures can be chilly before sunrise.

The Classic Inca Trail takes hikers through the Andes along ancient stone pathways, passing mountain valleys, cloud forests and archaeological ruins before reaching Machu Picchu. For a complete overview of the site, see this Machu Picchu travel guide.

One of the highlights comes near the end of the trek, when the trail leads to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate. From here, you can look down towards the famous stone citadel, surrounded by steep green mountains that sometimes disappear beneath the clouds.

The traditional route takes four days and three nights, with challenging sections that include steep stone stairways and high mountain passes. If you prefer a less restricted route, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is a popular alternative.

Dead Woman’s Pass is the highest point, reaching approximately 4,215 meters (13,829 feet). Along the way, hikers pass Inca sites such as Wiñay Wayna and walk through sections of dense vegetation. May through September is generally a good period for trekking, with less rainfall, although mountain weather can still be unpredictable.

The Inca Trail requires a permit and must be booked through an authorized tour operator. Places are limited and popular dates can sell out months ahead, so arrange your trek well in advance. Spending a few days in Cusco, where you can also find plenty of things to do in Cusco, can help you adjust to the altitude.

The trail also closes in February for maintenance, making it important to check dates before finalizing your plans.