I’m Kayla, and I keep a travel bucket list on my phone. Nothing fancy. Just a note with places, tiny dreams, and a few food goals. I’ve used it for years. So yeah, I’ve got thoughts.
For the full breakdown, you can skim my honest take on a travel bucket list—what worked and what didn’t on ValidTravel.
You know what? A bucket list can be a real friend. It can also mess with your head. Let me explain.
Why I Keep One (and Why I Almost Deleted It Twice)
- It helps me focus my time and money. I track points, watch fares, and plan around school breaks.
- It gives me joy on hard weeks. I peek at it with my morning coffee.
- It gets me off the couch. A list is a nudge.
But here’s the flip side:
- It can add pressure. You feel like you must “check the box.”
- It can make you rush a place. That’s no fun. You lose the small moments.
- Crowds still happen. A list won’t save you from selfie sticks.
Critics have even argued that social-media–driven bucket lists can drain the joy from travel, turning once-in-a-lifetime moments into competitive checkboxes—an idea explored in this CNBC piece on why bucket lists can backfire.
I’ve learned to hold it loose. The list guides me. It doesn’t boss me around.
Real Things I Checked Off (The Good, the Bad, the Cold Toes)
1) Northern Lights in Abisko, Sweden (Feb 2023)
It was -20°C. My lashes froze. I wore hand warmers in my socks. We waited near STF Abisko. Hot cocoa in a dented thermos. At 11:42 pm, a green ribbon swept across the sky. I cried. No shame.
Gear note: Sony a6400, cheap tripod from Amazon, no fancy lens.
Pain point: Three hours standing still. Toes hurt like crazy.
2) Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia (July 2019)
Tuk-tuk at 4:30 am. Dark, warm air. We sat by the lotus ponds. It was cloudy. Still, the towers glowed. A monk’s robe flashed orange in the crowd. After, we ate a banh mi from a cart. Bread was warm.
Reality check: It’s busy. Bring patience and a small fan.
3) Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru (May 2022)
Five days. Big views. Thin air. I drank coca tea and chewed gum like a maniac. My Merrell Moab boots saved my ankles. I got two blisters anyway. Alpacas stared like judges. The last day felt like a movie.
Low point: Rain soaked my socks. I smelled like a wet tent.
4) Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia, Türkiye (Oct 2021)
Pick-up at 4 am. I felt queasy. Then we floated. Quiet like a held breath. The valley looked painted. Landing was bumpy. We laughed and clapped and had a tiny “champagne” toast.
Note: Wear layers. Cold up high, warm when you land.
5) Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto, Japan (April 2018)
Soft rain, pink petals on my coat. Maruyama Park was packed, but gentle. I ate a Lawson egg sando under a tree and felt silly-happy. We rode the Shinkansen back and I slept like a rock.
Tiny tip: A clear umbrella makes cute photos and keeps you dry.
6) Great Ocean Road, Australia (Jan 2020)
We rented a small car and played old rock songs. The 12 Apostles looked unreal. The wind slapped us. Flies too, honestly. We ate meat pies from a roadside shop that felt like grandma’s kitchen.
Watch-out: Sun is fierce. Sunscreen, hat, repeat.
7) Petra by Night, Jordan (Nov 2022)
Candles lined the Siq. The canyon glowed soft and gold. Touristy? Yes. But when the stars showed, I got goosebumps. We drank sweet tea out of plastic cups and stayed quiet.
Heads-up: Wear solid shoes. The path is uneven in the dark.
Tools and Tricks That Helped Me
I work with checklists at my day job, so I treat trips the same way. Simple, clear, repeatable.
- Apple Notes for the bucket list. One line per dream, with a cost guess.
- Google Maps “Lists” for pins. I color code food, hikes, and “phot spots.”
- AllTrails for route maps and recent trail reports.
- Skyscanner alerts and Google Flights for price drops.
- Points from a Chase Sapphire card plus Delta SkyMiles when it makes sense.
- Osprey Farpoint backpack. Light, holds more than it looks.
- A small Anker battery. Never failed me.
- When I'm hunting for fresh itinerary ideas or realistic cost breakdowns, I scroll through ValidTravel for a quick hit of inspiration before I lock anything in. If you’re brainstorming a stateside adventure, here’s the list of safe, easy, and joy-filled U.S. spots I loved on a solo trip.
When I’m traveling solo and want an easy way to meet fun, like-minded people for a spontaneous night out, I sometimes browse platforms created for casual social connections, and one option is Fuckpal—you can quickly match with nearby users who are also up for a low-pressure meetup, making it simpler to turn a quiet evening into an unexpected adventure.
In the same vein, if your route takes you through Southern California’s Coachella Valley and you’re curious about discreet, adult-oriented encounters, check the local listings on AdultLook Palm Desert for a location-based directory where you can browse verified profiles, read real reviews, and set up meet-ups without sifting through sketchy ads.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
- Go in shoulder season. Fewer crowds, better prices. Think April–May or Sept–Oct.
- Book timed entries early. Then leave blank space for naps and snacks.
- Pick one “must” per day. Everything else is gravy.
- Pack less. Always less. My “just in case” pile never earned its spot.
P.S. If November is calling your name, peek at my round-up of favorite places to visit that month—tried and loved for some easy wins.
Who Should Skip a Bucket List (Yes, Really)
If lists stress you out, skip it. If you hate plans or love surprise trips with friends, skip it. If you’re traveling with small kids and you’re low on sleep, maybe not now. No shame in that.
Still undecided? This brief look at the pros and cons of building a destination bucket list can help you figure out whether the exercise suits your style right now.
A Quick Rant About Expectation vs. Reality
Social media shows the shot. Not the wait. Not the jet lag. Not the broken sandal. I’ve sat on a curb and cried over a missed train. I’ve also eaten street mango that tasted like sunshine. Both live in the same day. That’s travel.
Mini Wins I Still Think About
- A grandma in Peru handed me a warm potato with salt. Best snack ever.
- A stray cat in Istanbul chose my lap, then decided I was boring.
- A Kyoto shop owner wrote my name in tiny brush strokes. I kept the paper in my wallet.
These were never on my list. They’re the pieces I carry.
My Verdict
A travel bucket list is worth it—if it stays soft and flexible. Use it to steer your time and money. Let it push you to book the thing. But leave room. Let a slow morning turn into a sweet memory.
Would I keep mine? Yes. I clean it up twice a year. I add, I cut, I move things around. It’s a living note, not a scoreboard.
And next up? A slow week in Lisbon. Pastéis, trams, and long walks by the water. If it rains, I’ll get a pastel anyway. That still counts.