Updated: 12 October 2022
Up until 2015, whenever someone asked me what was on my bucket list or where I wanted to travel to, I would always reply with the same three things: to marvel at the Taj Mahal in India, to explore the ruins of Pompeii in Italy and to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland. The three I’s; India, Italy and Iceland. Three countries that couldn’t be more different, but all with the shared promise of adventure.
Those things are all still on the list, and I plan to accomplish them (in fact, I visited India in April last year – more below). But since I started properly travelling, the list has grown. And it keeps growing. Every time I read another travel blog, or see something really cool on the TV, I just have to go there and experience it for myself – like that time I conquered the Czech Republic Skywalk after seeing it in the Daily Mail.
So, in case you’re wondering what else I want to do and where else I want to visit, here’s what’s made my bucket list (so far):
1. Take in the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Tick. Visited India in April 2016 – find out more about my trip here.
2. Explore the ruins of Pompeii.
Tick. Visited Pompeii in March 2019.
3. Witness the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Tick. I touched down in Iceland on 1 December 2017, and managed to watch the Northern Lights twice during my 5-night stay on the island. It’s safe to say I fell in love with the country, and will be back again in March 2018.
4. Wander around the ruins of Petra.
So pleased that in 2017 I was able to tick another thing off my bucket list, as well as see one of the most well-known 7 Wonders of the New World. More on the ancient city of Petra coming soon…
5. Watch some whales.
Nearly tick in March 2018 in Iceland… But then a big full blown tick in September 2022, when I had the opportunity to swim with whale sharks in the Maldives. Check out my video here.
6. Hike up a volcano in Hawaii.
7. Paraglide over the Haute Alpes in France.
8. Come face-to-face with the heads on Easter Island.
9. Go paddle boarding in the Philippines Maldives.
Tick, kinda. While I haven’t been to the Philippines yet, I did paddleboard in the Maldives in September 2022 – it was such a cool experience, and something I’d love to do again!
10. Drink a pint of Guinness in Dublin.
Tick. I went to Ireland for Valentine’s weekend with my (now ex) boyfriend in February 2017. We did a tour of the Guinness Storehouse and drank copious amounts of Guinness.
11. Cuddle a Koala.
12. Sleep in a treehouse.
Two big ticks here – both in 2022. In April I went to Costa Rica with my mum, and one night we stayed in the coolest treehouse near Uvita Beach – will definitely get round to writing a blog post on that one.
Then
13. Go whitewater rafting in Canada.
14. Walk the Skywalk in Singapore.
15. Cross the Arenal Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica.
Nearly tick. Flights booked for April 2022.
So there you have it, 15 things that are on my bucket list. What have you got on yours? Drop me a comment below and inspire me to travel somewhere else.
Note: I have “borrowed” the pictures in this post for the places I’ve yet to visit/items I’ve yet to do. I have linked through to the Instagram account for each.
They all look awesome ! What about a trip to Finland – Santa Claus’ village in the north. They have glass dome igloos up there too that allow you to view the night sky and the aurora in the comfort of cozy surroundings. That’s on my bucket list. I was born in Finland and moved to Australia with my family when I was young.
Thank you for the follow of my blog 🙂
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I’ve actually been to Finland – it was the third country I went to last year, stayed up in Torassieppi, on a reindeer farm, so beautiful! And we saw the Northern Lights ☺️ I’d love to go back in the summer sometime, just to see how different it is when it warms up and the snow has gone ☺️
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Awesome. Summer is when people go berrying. We hope to go for a white Christmas next year. I know, people tell us we’re mad, but Christmas is the only time I really miss it 😦
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Ok, this post may have added to mine! I am the same – travelling anywhere and everywhere is my focus now as much as possible. I love watching “Travel Man” and I am trying to plan as many short and long haul jaunts as poss…just need to win the Lottery now! Northern Lights is totally on my list too.
Thanks for sharing!
Leigh at Fashion Du Jour LDN x
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Thanks for you comment Leigh – I know what you mean, money can be an issue when travelling, but like you I’m trying to cram in as many places as possible 🙂 x
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These look great 🙂 I have done Pompeii. Definately recommend it.
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Oooh really Jenni? How long did you go for? Was there anything else you did when you went there? I’m thinking of going, but not sure how long I’d need to visit… x
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Great list! I’ve tasted Guinness in Dublin…didn’t like it ha! Would love to see the Northern Lights! Visit NYC was on my list…so grateful to have ticked that one off
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Ahhh well done for ticking of NYC Sarah Jane – I went in January 2015, and loved it! Can’t wait to go to Iceland now that’s booked for December 🙂 x
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I’m so with you on wanting to see the northern lights, this is something that I’m looking into at the moment to try and find out where we’d be more likely to witness them. I was thinking Finland, but I’m definitely going to check out now Iceland too. x
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I have seen them in Finland, but they were quite faint. I think it’s hit or miss, our guides said sometimes people could come three or four times a year and never see them, or get lucky and see them on their first trip! X
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Oooh! I want to watch the northern lights too! Mine is bungee jumping in south africa (the highest one) and sky diving!
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Wow! You’re a thrill seeker than Ayesha! 😛 Not sure if I would do either of them, but I’d never say never… 😉 x
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I would literally love to see India and Iceland too! The Blue Lagoon looks immense.
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India was amazing Ashleigh, if you ever get the opportunity you should definitely go! I’ve actually now booked Iceland for December this year, so need to update the post! So excited 🙂 Blue Lagoon will be visited for sure!! x
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These are all amazing experience I’d love to do! I’ve always wanted to do a big road trip and travel around Americ and I’m going to be doing that later this year – I’m sure I’ll be ticking alot of Bucket List items off! xo
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Amazing! Would love to do a road trip myself, would be a fantastic experience! x
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I would love to be able to view the Northern Lights – they look so amazing. Great Post.
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Thanks Crystal x
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I really want to make a bucket list and I have so much to do, that I really have no idea where to start! xx
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Start off small and work your way up, that’s what I say – are there places you’d like to visit near you? If so, maybe put these on the list and set yourself a target date of when you want to have visited them by 🙂 x
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Oh gosh I haven’t thought about making a proper bucket list – it’s something I’ve chatted about with my son as he quite likes the idea of writing one
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Ahhh maybe you can do it together, and tick things off as he grows up – I visited India with my Grandma, and it’s been on her bucket list for years! x
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I don’t have a bucket list for travel as with kids the only place I visit now is back home (I’m’ from the US) and it takes all our travel budget. Before kids I lived in 5 different countries and traveled quite a bit. When they’re grown I’ll get the bucket list out again!
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Yes, you definitely should Erin! Why not make a mini bucket list of things you’d like to do with the children? It doesn’t have to be travelled orientated 🙂 x
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I really want to see the Northern Lights one day too.
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Did you know you can actually see them in the UK sometimes Jenny? My friend saw them in Scotland once, incredible! Just shows that things like this are easier to see than you think! 😉 x
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Your bucket list sounds amazing! Quite a few are on my list too, The Northern Lights and the Phillipines. I would love to travel around the US and Italy too.
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Thanks for your comment hun! I did see the Northern Lights in Finland back in 2015, but Iceland would be sooooo good! Still umming and ahhing over where to go next though… 😉 x
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What a great bucket list. Cuddling a koala is amazing btw! 🙂
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Ahhhh super jealous that you’ve ticked that one off already! x
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There are so many things on your list I’d love to do. See the Northern Lights and sleeping in a treehouse would be my top 2!!
Louise x
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I’ve actually seen the Northern Lights in Finland – but that hasn’t stopped me booking a trip to Iceland to see them again! Bring on December x
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What an amazing, inspirational bucket list! I hope you get to make your dreams come true! xx
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Thanks Sarah!! Fingers crossed x
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I love this post! I love the idea of the three I’s – I’d love to visit India, Italy and Iceland too and never thought of them that way. Some of these I definitely agree with like visiting the heads at Easter Island and sleeping in a treehouse. I did a post similar to this a while back but instead it was an anti-bucket list, talking about things I’d already done 🙂 I’ve just followed you on Insta too as I’d love to see the photos when you visit India x
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Thanks Louise, that’s so lovely, I’ve followed you back ❤ I've actually done India and Italy now, but will be ticking off Iceland in December, whoop whoop! If you want to see some photos from India though, I've done a couple of posts on the site already x
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Your list sounds amazing and there are so many places on there that I would love to visit too.I have just been to India too so heading over to check out your post.
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I’ve been following your India travels, they’re reminding me of my trip last year 🙂 What have you got on your bucket list then Nayna? Any recommendations to add to mine? x
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Alright..you are done now.. This bucket-list is mine. Your photographs are very attractive.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Haha! You’re welcome 😉 what do you have on your bucket list? Have you already ticked some things off? x
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Se manifique views and vibes! love the photo journal and descriptions. makes me wanna hop on a plan right now lol
great travel blog post
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Thanks Alfozo! Appreciate your kind words x
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I love your bucket list. My bucket list is kinda flexible right now. I think I have to narrow down my list, and make realistic goals. I would love to see Petra, and the Pompeii ruins. Machu Picchu would also be in my list and so is Amanpulo island in the Philippines.
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Thanks for commenting Kristine – I think having a flexible bucket list is sometimes for the best, as circumstances and situations can change so quickly! I’ve never heard of Amanpulo Island, but have just googled and it looks incredible – maybe I should add that to my list 😉 x
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You are so right. When you make a bucket list, you are actually motivated to try and fulfill it. I have been dreaming of visiting places but never actually did it. I am going to try your way 🙂
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Good luck with your list! What would you include on there? x
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I hope you do a lot more of the things that you have in this bucket list. I cannot imagine paragliding over the Alps! I think it’s an awesome goal though.
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Thanks Carol – I hope to do it one day, though haven’t any plans to do it any time soon 😦 I’m not sure where my next trip will be, but I’ve been looking at Jordan, so I can tick off Petra from my bucket list! x
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You, know I have not yet made a bucket list, I know what I want to do and see, its just finding the time to get there.
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I completely understand what you mean Lindsey – time and money can limit me from going places to 😦 I’m currently out of work though, so seeing it as an opportunity to fit as much travel in as I possibly can! x
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Very inspiring post! For me my number one item would be to visit Las Vegas!!
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Why Las Vegas Jon? I’ve never been, but can’t really see the appeal myself… x
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I have been to Singapore although we didn’t walk the SkyWalk. I am desperate to go to Pompeii I think that would be fascinating!
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Me too! My friends have just visited this last week and their pictures look amazing! What did you do when you visited Singapore? Any recommendations Sharon? x
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Northern lights are on my list too, and the grand canyon!
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The Northern Lights were epic when I saw them in Finland, but I’ve booked to go to Iceland in December now, so that will be amazing and hopefully I’ll see them there too x
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I haven’t made a bucket list before. I think mine would feature more foodie related things rather than trips as I am trying to eat my way around all the good London restaurants.
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That sounds like a FANTASTIC bucket list Melanie! I’d love to see your suggestions (even more so now I have a new job starting in London!) x
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Wow an amazing list. I am about to publish my own lost on my blog (linked to the birthday I’ve just had 🙂 ) but it is nowhere near as exciting as yours!
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Really? What have you got on your list then hun? x
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I would love this visit Canada someday. Definitely on my bucket list.
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Me too, I’d like to do white water rafting 🙂 x
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Omg I literally just wrote a post about Iceland. It is awesome that you have your trip booked for December. Hopefully I can visit the ruins in Pompei as well!
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Pompeii is still on the list Ana – but Iceland was amazing!! So much so I went back a few months later 😉 x
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I have always thought about doing a bucket list but never done onem Yours sounds great and definitely given me ideas. I am going to do a list of things to do before 30 and see how I go.
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How are you getting on with it Natt? x
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That is a great list! I am not even going to do one because its to long and its hard to shorten it as I cant choose! I am happy to see that you have tick off some from the list! Yay keep exploring!
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Hehe thanks! It’s so hard to choose just a few things, isn’t it? I actually ended up making a second bucket list, which you can read here: https://alwayscarryon.com/2017/12/22/another-bucket-list/ x
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You have a great bucket list! I would also love to visit Santorini, Greece, Austria and New Zealand. Oh my. If traveling was only free, my family would wait years for me to return. Haha. Thanks for sharing your bucket list. Happy to see you’ve ticked off a few. That’s awesome.
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Haha I’m the exact same Kristine! I wish travel was free, or at least cheaper so I could tick more of these off! x
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Such a nice list you got there! Loved that the pint in Dublin is crossed out, that is one of my hubby’s bucket list!! My bucket list is big (a little too big lol), but I have always wanted to visit Scotland and go to an Native American Pow Wow!
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Scotland is close to me and I’ve been quite a few times 🙂 A Native American Pow Wow sounds fun! x
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With all the adventures I see you doing, I could easily add these to my bucket list! I love these ideas! Thanks for sharing. Pompeii is on the tops!
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Hehe thanks Victoria 🙂 I still haven’t made it there yet – but I will one day, for sure! x
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You have an impressive bucket list and I hope you achieve them and many more for years to come. I have a few that I am yet to do but have achieved many of mine.
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That’s great news Elizabeth! Have you managed to tick off any more recently? x
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You’re so adventurous, mines like ‘stay up all night’. But now you’re making me want to do the same as you, they all look so wonderful and pretty 😫
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What a great list!! I keep meaning to write my bucket list- this has some awesome ideas on it. Thanks 🙂
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I am happy to see that the Philippines is included on your list. You will not regret when you visit here for sure.. hehehe. Anyways, I am glad that you have tick off some of the places on your bucket list and looking forward to seeing all of them striked off.
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Ahhh well I know where to come when I need Philippines recommendations 😉 x
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Great to see that you managed to tick some things off your bucket list, the northern lights must have been amazing to see, I hope that by the end of the year you tick off some more things, and to keep on traveling.
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Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be ticking anything further off the list this year Matija – I am going to Czech Republic and Croatia, but neither have been high on the list. Perhaps you have some recommendations for either of those? x
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Looks like you have a fantastic bucket list and are making amazing progress! On my bucket list… I want to see the world! But to break it down – I’d say the wonders of the world, all provinces and territories of Canada, each of the states of USA and Australia, New Zealand and Russia.
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Sounds like you’ve got your work cut out Sara 😉 x
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This looks like an amazing list. And so many of the destinations are on my list too. I am a big history buff and I love Petra, Easter Island, and Pompeii. And many more, of course! I love how you have created this extensive list and keep on updating it. After all, this is the biggest treasure of travellers like us!
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Ahhh thank you Soumya! Have you made it to any of these destinations yet? Petra is amazing! x
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Have been to Pompeii. The other two are still on my list. I just drool on the pictures of Petra. Hope I can get there soon.
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You will one day, I know you will 😘
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It is such a brilliant thing to do, isn’t it – to have a bucket list, and then start checking the stuff that you’ve managed to do! I don’t think there’s a lot of difference in our bucket lists Becca, but I haven’t been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights yet and I am really hoping to make it to Iceland for it next year! Another bucket list item for me is visiting Antarctica!
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Antarctica would be AMAZING! But it’s so expensive, so I don’t know if I’d ever realistically make it there 😦 Let me know when you’re planning Iceland, I can definitely give you some tips Medha x
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As a traveller, the list keeps on growing. In the earlier days, I too had a few, but now the bucket seems to overflow. 🙂 All the places on your list looks so impressive and I have a few on my list too. Hope you get to visit all of these and also keep adding on.
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I know exactly what you mean guys! I am the exact same LOL x
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Having a list is really essential. Too many places to see, too short a life I feel. You have got a great list our there Becca. I am doing the Northern Lights in Iceland this winter, also the whale watching tour from Snaefellsnes. I have visited the Taj Mahal and slept in a treehouse too. And rest from your list, I have not done any yet. Hope you can achieve your list soon.
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Wow, where did you sleep in a treehouse? Any recommendations? If you need tips for Iceland this winter, don’t hesitate to ask x
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Have done most of these things. I think I would still love to see Koalas (and pandas), it is in my list.
But yea, we seem to have slightly different priorities. I am more interested in people and prefer going to some locations where people are open and interesting to talk.
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Just because I have a list of experiences and activities that I’d like to do doesn’t mean I don’t want to meet people and talk LOL 🙂 I have posted a few times about making friends while travelling, and how locals can make your experiences more authentic and enriching 🙂 x
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This is an amazing bucket list. But even that there are still a lot of places I want to see in this World. A lot of amazing experiences to do and people to meet. Just time and money can divide you into the amazing experiences.
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I know what you mean Toti! If I had money to spend my life travelling I would 😉 x
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