By sagnika sinha
Traveling is not just a choice; it is a need! Not everyone can travel from a young age, it might be because of economic conditions or family preference. Rather the need for travel starts after an individual learns new things. This is where budget travel comes in too!
When I was in school, I started learning about different places. I had a history teacher in class 3 who showed us pictures of different places, starting from the Taj Mahal to the Ajanta Ellora caves. Slowly, over the years travel has become a force in my life.
When I started working, I started traveling with family, friends, and alone! A lot of my family and friends love traveling and it has made my life much better. It has inspired me, shared with me names of the new places along with going with me to make beautiful memories.
Places I want to See in this Lifetime!
Over the years, I have created a bucket list for myself. Some of these locations were inspired after I watched videos and pictures on social media platforms. But there are also locations that I have read about in books, considering I love reading books.
I have also read blogs from the BBC, the United Nations World Travel Organization, and the World Travel & Tourism Council. They describe some of the travel destinations so beautifully that you will also want to visit.
Furthermore, some of these places can be considered overseas adventure travel places too! Read in detail about the places!
1. Kiyomizu, dera, Japan
Timings: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: 500 yen per person
Known as the Pure Water Temple, located on the site of Otowa Waterfall the wooden feature of the temple attracts me. One of the reasons I want to visit this place is because it is situated on the hillside and surrounded by maple and cherry trees.
The wooden stage jutting out of the temple gives you some of the coolest views of the valley. A shrine is dedicated to the deity of matchmaking and love, Jishu Shrine with two stones, 18 meters apart from each other.
It is said that there will be good luck and love in your relationship with a little ritual. If you and your partner close your eyes, start from opposite stones, and walk towards each other, ultimately finding each other, it is interpreted as a good relationship for you and your partner.
Sounds romantic huh? Apart from the romance, there is also a legend of drinking water from the poles which reflects how you are in your love life. Yes, a romantic by heart, I would love to visit this place in Japan.
2. Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan
Timings: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: 500 Ngultrum (It is mostly included in the tourist fee to enter Bhutan) per person
I have always been a fan of mountains and Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as the Paro Taktsang Monastery, has been on my bucket list for a long time. It is situated 3000 meters above the Paro Valley giving you one of the beautiful views.
Did you know, the term Taktsang means tigress lair? The legend goes that a disciple of the 8th century Indian Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche turned herself into a tigress. She carried him on her back to the mountain where he meditated, thus it became a holy place.
I am a huge fan of legends and mountains, what more can I want when both of them come in bulk when visiting Tiger’s Nest Monastery. I know I must trek and look forward to experiencing the path. Initially, the slope was easier to climb but the further you climb, the harder it becomes.
It totally depends on the level of fitness that I have along with my understanding of the path. I have also heard a lot of stories where people get lost, so it is important to have a good endurance point.
3. Tromso, Norway
Timings: September to March
Price: 500 yen per person
Tromso is the capital of the Arctic, the largest city, and is located about 350 kilometers from the Arctic Circle. Imagine being that close to the Arctic? But that is not the only reason for me to include Tromso in my bucket list.
It is the northern lights that I want to check out when I visit during the recommended time. If you visit the place from the month of May to July, there is midnight sun, another natural but unique characteristic of the place.
The activities which I want to do when I visit Tromso such as Kayaking, hiking, whale safaris, and fishing. Furthermore, I also want to check out Polar Musuem, the Polaria experience center and Arctic Cathedral.
4. Buckingham Palace, London
Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Price: £20.50 to £32 per person/ £16 for children
I have been fascinated with historical places, especially palaces, Buckingham palace is the hugest of all. I want to wear comfortable shoes and check everything that is available to see, be it the state rooms, garden and gravel path. There is also a collection of artwork, of course, I love art!
My research tells me that it will take 2 and half hours. I want to plan it somewhere during the week because weekdays are less crowded. It is better for me to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. There are specific time slots to visit the palace.
If you are also someone who loves history and art, this is it for you. The exhibit will be beautiful along with majestic representation! I also feel that it is one of the best places to travel solo female!
5. Bath, England
Timings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Roman Baths
Price: £18 to £25
Bath is a city in Somerset, England and it is popular for its Roman-built baths. The reason I keep this place in my bucket list is because of my fascination with the Regency and Georgian novels and stories based on 18th and 19th centuries. There are hot springs that have turned into an elegant spa center.
In recent times, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage site but during that period, it was a fashionable spa town. People used to visit there to recover from physical and mental suffering. Furthermore, the place is also known as the center of literature and art!
This is why I want to visit this place! It is a mix of leisure, rich history, fashion, an elegant spa, and a Roman temple, which you should experience too, once in your lifetime. I feel like it can also be considered one of the best solo travel destinations in the world!
6. Little Adam’s Peak Viewpoint, Sri Lanka
Timings: 5 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Price: Hiking is free, Zipline ride – 2500 LKR
A mini version of central Sri Lanka, Little Adam’s Peak viewpoint is a pilgrimage mountain site. It is a moderate trail so if you are a beginner, it might be a little difficult. Furthermore, there are some stops on the trail. I think those will help me with the hike.
The view from the top is mesmerizing I have heard so, I want to visit this place to experience the natural beauty of the place.
7. Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Timings: for Pioneer Gate – 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Ramotswa – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Tlokweng – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sikwane – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: BWP 10 (resident), BWP 120 (non-resident)
I must visit once to this eco-friendly hilltop retreat which gives a 180-degree view of the rich grassland in the savannah. The national park also offers safari which is one of my favorite adventure activities.
I want to have close encounters with elephants, leopards, lions, and others. Appreciating natural beauty has always been my way of thanking nature and this is no different.
Why is having a Bucket List of Travel Destinations so Important?
For me having a bucket list of travel destinations is immensely important. This is because I feel both a sense of achievement and appreciation when I visit a new place. Achievement in the sense that I accomplished such a huge feat!
Appreciation for the place and myself that I managed to visit it in my lifetime. Considering none of us know when our last day is, it is quite important to appreciate beauty. This is why I encourage myself to step out of my comfort zone by trying new things, be it food, places, or activities.
Furthermore, my bucket list is also a representation of diverse cultures and the experience I gather from them. I find myself immersed in the local experiences and people, helping me gain a broader perspective about life.
Personal Growth
It motivates me to have a bucket list of all my travel destinations so that I inspire myself to actively persuade these beautiful places. Additionally, I get to create memorable experiences as I keep a bucket list of these beautiful places.
Furthermore, considering a bucket list of travel destinations also pushes me outside my comfort zone. Visiting new places, going for adventure activities, and trying new things ensure that my travel experiences are memorable.
I am speaking from experience when I say that you get to learn about time management, setting budget and including interests. This accordingly facilitates expert experience in creating realistic travel plans.
Exposure to Diversity
With regular local experiences when visiting new places, you are exposed to diversity. There are diverse cultures that you will experience thus, creating an integral experience of the travel destinations on my bucket list.
Additionally, you are exposed to diversity in daily living in different places. This also teaches you many ways in which you can make your life easier.
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