Bucket lists are inspiration lists that people create with the aim of completing them before a certain event. It could be before they pass on or before a milestone birthday. However, unless there is a strong commitment to the list, bucket lists rarely get acted upon. 

Planning a list does have its benefits. By focusing your intentions, you can use annual leave wisely and maximize your time off. It also encourages you to prioritize personal experiences over your normal routine. Here are some ideas to get you excited to tick off your bucket list adventures. 

Stay somewhere that feels like part of the adventure

The world is packed full of incredible places to stay. Remote retreats allow you to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding area and switch off for a while.

However, staying somewhere with beach access or skyline views helps you feel like you are constantly on an adventure. One of the best examples of this is NH Collection Dubai The Palm. This stunning resort has breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline as well as easy access to the beach, with an added bonus of activities on The Palm. 

Pick adventures that match your energy

Holidays with loved ones are all about compromise to make sure all parties have a great time. When it comes to fulfilling your bucket list, your views are most important.

Pick activities that you want to do. Hiking, foodie trips, festivals or nighttime desert trips all have different vibes but can coexist nicely on your list if you want to do them all.

If you are considering combining a couple of bucket list activities in one break, think about how they work together. You may want to pick a slower-paced activity to pair with an intense, adrenaline-fuelled one. Doing so ensures you don’t return from your trip feeling exhausted. 

Plan one “big trip” a year and smaller wins in between

Putting all your ideas into a bucket list can be a bit overwhelming. Break it down into achievable steps. Each year, pick one of your big activities. Locking in a major adventure, such as shark diving, takes it from being a dream to a reality. 

In between big adventures, plan little ones. Hiking in local beauty spots can be a day or weekend trip, which is easy to fit in throughout the year. 

Capture the experience without letting the camera take over

It is tricky to find the balance between capturing the memories and being present in the moment. This is where setting boundaries for yourself is key. 

One way to keep yourself in check is to plan photo-taking times. This could be to document your achievement at the end or at specific sites along a journey. Save the photo posting on social media for later, too. Stressing over the perfect caption and composition of an Instagram post can make you miss things and take you out of the experience. 

Turn inspiration into action 

Bucket lists are aspirational, but that doesn’t make them impossible. Be proactive and start planning. Set a date for a specific item on your list and lock it in. Even if you don’t book immediately, blocking out that time on your social calendar helps you to visualise it happening.

If you need to save a bit of money, start right away. You could set up a bank account specifically for bucket list adventures. Be realistic with your savings. Start small and add any money you have leftover at the end of the month.