“Work is the time we wait between vacations” – Anon.
1) Choose Your Method.
There are a lot of 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 on a regular basis 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 agent.
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 things that are completely new are the way to go. Either way, having this list will further the discussion. If you are a solo traveler, then this will help you determine what is really meaningful when it comes to 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 6 years old? Or 10, or 16? Or maybe just last week? Of course, you should make sure you include the places that have always been on your wish list. Remember, this is not the time to hold back. (If you need some assistance or some inspiration, I have selected some itineraries that are closer to home to get your dreams started. Be sure to check back with this page periodically as I will change it up to offer some new Inspirational Itineraries.)
4) What Do you Want to Experience?
Places are one thing. Activities are another. Have you always wanted to go Northern Lights hunting? Or taking a wine river cruise in France? Is it swimming with dolphins in Mexico that calls to you, or go dog sledding in Alaska? Does visiting the Smithsonian in DC call to you, or maybe hot air ballooning over the dessert Southwest? This is the step where you get to list all the things you’ve wanted to do.
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 begin 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 and, in short order, you will have a plan of where to go and what to do over the next few years. Share this with me and I can help you be on a lookout for opportunities and deals that can get you checking these items off you list.
7) Check Them Off Your List
Of course, none of this really 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.
You can download a blank PDF bucket list form here.
“I want to vacation so long, I forget all my passwords.” – Anon.
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