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!

Whether you’re full-on spiritual, doing a little soul searchin’, or living in blissful agnosticism, it’s easy to look at Mother Nature and instantly believe in something bigger than us. I mean, who comes up with this stuff?! Jokes aside, fish, mammals, birds, and all other wildlife may be the most impressive part of our planet. And while our species hasn’t always contributed to the preservation of animals on Earth, it’s never too late to take steps in the right direction. Continuing our Beefing Up Your Bucket List series, we’ve decided to dedicate a non-lyric ode to the countless animals that make the world a much better place. Here are five places where you can still see wildlife in its purest form. 

#1. Whale and Manta Ray Sighting in Central America

Some areas in Central America, like the jungles in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, are known to house more than 5 million species. However, these thick rainforests aren’t the most diverse ecosystem in the sub-continent. Not even close. Central American countries are among the few nations that have direct access to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This has transformed Central America into a top destination for marine life sightings, especially for travelers looking for large whales and manta rays. The best part is that you can combine adventures and enjoy this unique experience while also adding a fun activity, like getting your diving license. 

#2. Free the Bears Sanctuary in Luang Prabang

While most of the experiences on this list focus on seeing animals in their natural state, it’s also important to recognize that extinction is a natural phenomenon. Thus, it’s essential to appreciate and support conversation efforts that focus on animals in danger of disappearing. This is the case for the Free the Bears sanctuary located in Luang Prabang, a quaint and mysterious town perched between the mountains of Northern Laos. This protected space focuses on rescuing, healing, and releasing moon bears into the wild. Moon bears are listed as “vulnerable” by the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources’ (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and the sanctuary provides a rare opportunity to appreciate these peaceful giants without disturbing them. And as a bonus, you get access to the grounds, which include one of Laos’ most beautiful waterfalls and pools. 

#3. Sustainable Safaris in Africa

When you hear the words “African safari,” the first thing that springs to mind is watching lions, giraffes, and other imposing animals at a safe distance out in the savannah. Not only is this still a possibility today, but organizations like the WWF now publish resources to help travelers choose tours that actively seek to preserve these natural habitats and protect their wildlife from poachers. It’s possible to organize sustainable safari tours in South and Eastern Africa, just make sure to opt for a provider that does its part for the environment!

#4. Polar Bear Experiences in Hudson Bay

If you’re wondering why there are two bear species mentioned in this article, it’s because these mammals are large creatures. In most cases, they require a significant amount of land to get all the nutrients and resources they need to survive. Also, bears are super awesome, and seeing them live without damaging their homes is even better. If you like temperate climates and bears, then your best bet is to bear the cold (pun mode on!) and check out polar bear tours in Alaska. Hudson Bay is a great place to visit as you can also explore miles upon miles of untouched nature; and if you time it right, you may even get a chance to see the Aurora Borealis.  

#5. Sighting the Mekong River Irrawaddy Dolphins

Like others on this list, Cambodia is an amazing country that’s chock full of incredible attractions like Angkor Wat—which makes another appearance in this series. But these century-old ruins may not be the rarest sighting in The Kingdom of Wonder. That honor may just go to the Irrawaddy River dolphins, a short-snouted species of marine mammal that frequents the Mekong River delta. The cherry on top is that most tour providers understand that the river provides a safe refuge, so they usually take steps to avoid bothering the dolphins. This includes explaining proper behavior to travelers and keeping their motorized engines off for parts of the tour. 

Ready to See the World One Destination at a Time?

With ALLMYNE, fulfilling your bucket list is a matter of when, not if. Seeing moon bears, whales, polar bears, river dolphins, and other amazing animals is a spectacular experience. Now, you can get help from a local and have full control over your trip. Start an account and learn more about ALLMYNE today. 

Featured photo courtesy of Jason Hillier on Unsplash