Travel is back! It feels so good to say these words! Many travelers are now planning their bucket list vacations sooner than later. Allow me to help you through the journey of creating your travel bucket list in the seven steps listed below. You can download a PDF bucket list form here to help you with the process. Print the list and have fun filling in the details. Reach out when you're ready to make your travel bucket list a reality!

1) Choose Your Method

There are many ways to keep a bucket list ranging from a notebook to a digital document to even a jar full of notes. The important thing is that whatever you choose, you use. You will want to look at this regularly, so make sure it is something that will be easy for you to access. Digital documents like Google docs are great because you can easily add things like images or links. And they are easy to share with your regular travel mate and your travel advisor (me).

2) Make a List of Where You Have Been

Thinking about past vacations and what you liked (and didn't like) is a great way to get started. If you're traveling as a couple, this is even more important. You might want to share previous adventures with each other or agree that exploring completely new things is the way to go. Either way, having this list will further the discussion. If you are a solo traveler, this will help you determine what is really meaningful regarding your travel desires.

3) Next, List Your Destinations

This is the fun step. Use your imagination. At this point, don’t hold back due to time or financial concerns; just list all the places you have ever dreamed of. Where did you want to go when you were six years old? Or 10, or 16? Or maybe just last week? Of course, you should include the places that have always been on your wish list. Remember, this is not the time to hold back. If you need advice, this is a great time to contact me and ask them about the newly discovered destinations. You don’t want to miss out.

4) What Do you Want to Experience?

Places are one thing. Activities are another. Have you always wanted to go Northern Lights hunting? Or maybe an African Safari? Is it swimming with dolphins in Mexico that calls to you or diving with sharks in South Africa? Does visiting the Smithsonian in DC call you, or maybe hot air ballooning over the desert Southwest? This is the step where you get to list all the things you’ve wanted to do. As a couple, this can be a fun step of discovery. Like with destinations, your travel advisor (me again) can help by letting you know about some of the secrets only travel insiders know about.

5) Put Things in Order

Your list is probably getting a little long at this point. Now is the time to apply some practical thinking. Look through your destinations list and highlight the 4 or 5 places that mean the most to you. It doesn’t mean you won’t ever see the others, but you do need to start somewhere. Then look through your activities list. Are there any that fit one destination more than another? Add them to your list. Lastly, go through your list one more time to make sure you didn’t leave anything out. Once this is done, you have your basic list finished. Now to apply some action to it.

6) Establish a Timeline

Now you can begin making things happen. This is where you start to organize your dreams into plans. Consider the time and money you wish to invest in travel. Yes, it is an investment. Remember, travel is the activity where you spend money and return richer for it.
Align your goals with the practical aspects of your budget and available time; in short order, you will have a plan of where to go and what to do over the next few years. Share this with your travel advisor, and I will be able to keep on a lookout for opportunities and deals that can get you checking these items off your list.

7) Check Them Off Your List

Of course, none of this means much if you never go. Once you get started, you’ll find that wanderlust builds and builds. So the choice is yours. Do you want to be one of the people who tells the stories of what they have discovered, or the one who listens?
It’s important to remember that this is YOUR travel bucket list. So if life gets in the way sometimes, no worries, you are the master of the list and can always adjust it as need be. But don’t forget it’s impolite to keep a vacation waiting if you can go. ;)

Ready to check off the first item on your travel bucket list? Contact us today!