Written by Tom Hooker
Life is but a bucket, and it’s on us to make the most of it, have fun, and be adventurous before kicking it. This is the exact emotion that inspired our latest collection—The Bucket List Series. We’ve broken down The Bucket List Series into five distinct stops. First, we’ll share five breathtaking sights to beef up your list, then we’ll go over awe-inspiring natural attractions to feast your eyes on. After this, we’ll take you on a journey with wildlife and its natural habitat and share destinations to help you live the human experience at its finest. Lastly, we’ll take to tomorrow by visiting the most technological cities on the planet. Let’s get started!
The world is so big that it offers an endless collection of places, cultures, and experiences. And whether you’re drawn to untouched natural wonders, ancient sites, or modern advancements, there’s no denying that every place you visit has a lasting impact. Below, we’ve collected five magical places and experiences you should consider adding to your bucket list.
#1. Earthen Architecture in Ouarzazate, Morocco
Earthen architecture is one of the earliest yet more powerful examples of our power to adapt to extreme environments like the Sahara desert. Known by its ancient name ksar, this type of fortified village has become a synonym with North African nations like Morocco. The city of Ouarzazate might just offer the best opportunity to roam through alleyways built in this amazing style. Located about four and a half hours southeast of Marrakesh, Ouarzazate has been featured in blockbuster films thanks to its pristine earthen architecture, which is part of the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou UNESCO World Heritage site.
#2. The Sagrada Familia in Spain
Destined to be the tallest religious structure in the world, the Sagrada Familia (short for Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família) is without a doubt one of the most imposing architectural works ever produced. Designed by renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, the temple will stand 566 feet tall by the time it’s completed. In addition to its unique appearance, it’s easy to spot this iconic building due to its enormous size. While the due date is projected for 2026, the basilica is already one of the best examples of Modernist architecture and is a must-visit for travelers voyaging through Europe.
#3. The Roman Baths and Georgian City in Bath, United Kingdom
Founded back in the 1st century AD by Romans, the city of Bath is now one of the most picturesque destinations in all of the UK. Founded as a spa resort for wounded soldiers and religious ceremonies, the city continued building and expanding around its original center. Today, the entire city is a protected area that’s known for its neoclassical Palladian architecture, well-kept Roman remains which include the Temple of Sulis Minerva, and the bath complex itself at the heart of the ancient Aquae Sulis town.
#4. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival in Turkey
It doesn’t matter how many pictures you see; sometimes it’s necessary to experience something in person in order to understand how special it is. That’s exactly why attending Cappadocia’s Hot Air Balloon Festival should be on your bucket list. With its kaleidoscope of balloons painting the sky, the festival welcomes more than 50 international groups, joining dozens of other local participants that organize around 160 daily balloons. It’s a four-day event as well, leaving plenty of time to visit local attractions and immerse yourself in Turkish culture, especially if you’re enjoying the festival from a city like Nevşehir.
#5. Bran’s Castle in Romania
Imagine visiting a land of vampires and werewolves without the risk of being recruited into either side. Would you still dare? Bran’s Castle, a Romanian landmark and one of the biggest attractions in Transylvania, can give you exactly that sensation. Now, there’s a quick disclaimer here—there’s no proof that Bram Stoker, the author of the fiction novel Dracula, ever visited the region. That said, the similarities between the castle described by Stoker and the fortress in Bran are uncanny, especially considering the fact that the region was once ruled by the grandfather of Vlad III Dracula, warlord of Wallachia. Your best bet at finding out what’s at the bottom of this mystery? Plan a trip out to Romania’s Carpathian mountains, stay at one of Brasov’s picturesque ski resorts, and take a day trip to visit Bran’s Castle to transport you to a realm of legends.
In a world brimming with captivating destinations, it’s the moments we experience in person that etch the most profound memories into our psyche. Let these five gems kindle your wanderlust, and don’t stop here; let your bucket list flourish with the world’s endless wonders. The best part is that you don’t have to explore these places on your own. ALLMYNE is your connection to local guides that can create itineraries, give you the inside scoop, and even venture with you wherever you go.