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 early stages of human evolution started more than 7 million years ago, and our species has come a long way since. From the invention of the wheel to digital technology, worship of lions to organized religions, and the use of plant-based medicine to modern treatments—every aspect of human reality has evolved, changed, and grown with our species. While it’s our duty to maintain and preserve our planet to the best of our ability, we should also take a moment to celebrate some of the milestones that led to the rise of humankind. Here are five great options that you can add to your bucket list to live the human experience first-hand.
#1. Angkor Wat in Cambodia
The Temple of Angkor Wat, which is located outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia, is the largest religious structure in the world and one of the most imposing human constructions ever. Built back in the 12th century A.D., the walled Angkor Thom complex (which includes Angkor Wat and other temples) was originally designed to be a Hindu place of worship, but it was redesignated as a Buddhist temple before the end of the century. Today, it’s one of the most visited places in Asia and one of the best places to understand the power of human perseverance.
#2. The Great Wall in China
The Great Wall of China once earned the name of “the only human-made structure visible from space.” By now, that myth has been debunked a few times over, but it doesn’t make this network of fortified walls, gates, and towers any less impressive. If anything, we can finally focus on the things that actually make it a necessary part of your bucket list. As we’ve implied, the Great Wall is actually a network of smaller structures that were built by various emperors over the span of several dynasties. Built more than 2,000 years ago, it stretches more than 13,000 miles from Shanhaiguan in Hebei province to Jiayuguan in Gansu province, which is located in the western part of the country. The reason why the Great Wall is a popular attraction is because it offers an experience for all types of travelers; you can visit it from more than a dozen different locations that include flat, child-friendly cities and rustic hiking routes more suitable for adventurous pioneers.
#3. The Acropolis of Athens in Greece
Historians, philosophers, and other thinkers attribute a lot of modern society to Ancient Greece. As a matter of fact, the impact of the political systems and philosophical beliefs followed by Athenians and other Greek civilizations can be seen throughout different cultures today. And at the heart of all this is the Acropolis, an exquisite architectural masterpiece that doubles as a symbol for one of the most important periods in human history. Don’t take our word for it—hop on a plane and feel it for yourself! The atmosphere in the small alleys and roads wrapping around this archeological site is electrifying. It truly exudes a unique type of energy.
#4. Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Built more than 4,000 years ago, the Giza Pyramids were erected to endure all of eternity. And, the master craftsmanship may just be good enough to last another thousand lifetimes. The tale of the Egyptians pyramids is well known at this point; the Pharaohs who ruled the ancient kingdom believed they would become deities in the afterlife. Before their departure, they would build the Giza Pyramids to serve as their temples and fill them with everything needed to sustain life in the afterlife. It may be stranger than fiction to some, but there is no denying that these structures are among the most enigmatic, mysterious, and fascinating that our species has ever built.
#5. Machu Picchu in Perú
Often known as “The Lost Inca City,” Machi Picchu was among the only pre-colonization settlements to stay hidden from the outside world until the early 20th century. Since then, its popularity has soared, and it continues to impress the countless travelers that descend on it every year. The Inca Trail is still the most famous and iconic way to reach the hidden citadel. Is there any other way to do it than to follow the road built thousands of years ago by the Incas themselves? The best part may just be that Machu Picchu itself is far from the only thing to see. While in this part of Perú, you can check out other human achievements like:
- Maras Salt Ponds
- Sacred City of Caral-Supe
- Choquequirao, also known as “The Sister City of Machu Picchu”
- Huacas del Sol y de la Luna Temples
- The Nazca Lines
Explore Every Corner of the World, One Destination at a Time
Your bucket list should be an amazing, long, and crazy list of destinations and activities scattered across the world—exactly like the five stops we listed above. And just like each destination, organizing each trip is an adventure in its own right. Rather than figuring out each destination, your best bet is to get assistance from locals who know the coolest spots and the best ways to get there. Get in touch with local guides and easily create albums that remind you of the best moments of your trip with ALLMYNE. Download the app and take control of your trip!
