Bucket list goals vary from person to person (they’re a personal thing), but many of the same ideas end up on lists over and over. Do you want to know what the most popular bucket list ideas are? After researching hundreds of lists, I’ve come up with the top 15…and here they are.
PS: All of these are on my actual bucket list, except getting married (but, I have now been married for 27 years) and having children (it’s too late to change my mind about that!).
1. Travel
Is it really any surprise that travel is number one on the list?!? Everything from seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris to going on an African safari is on people’s bucket list. But, the most popular travel destination by far is Italy. There’s lots of pasta lovers out there!
TIP: If you’re looking for travel destinations and ideas, I have listed my absolute favorite 100 experiences around the world in my Travel Bucket List.
2. Go Sky Diving
Imagine plummeting towards the earth at terminal velocity, the wind whipping through your hair, and then… weightlessness. Pure, unadulterated freedom as you soar above breathtaking landscapes. Sounds terrifying, right? I can tell you that it is, that’s for sure!
But let me also tell you, the rush you get from skydiving is unlike anything else. I walked away feeling like the most powerful, badass woman ever.
For more crazy experience ideas like this, check out my Adventure Bucket List.
3. Run a Marathon
Now, hear me out before you envision collapsing at mile 10. Marathons are legendary for a reason. They push you beyond perceived limits, proving that the human body is capable of incredible feats. Let’s face it, if you haven’t tackled a challenge that demands such dedication and grit before, conquering a marathon will be a badge of honor you’ll wear proudly.
If marathons are a bit too much, you can always start smaller, like training for and going on a 5K Race! So far, a 5k is all I’ve checked off my list.
4. Get Married
Getting married is one of those bucket list experiences that’s more than just a day—it’s a lifelong adventure. For many, tying the knot with that special someone is the ultimate dream come true, worthy of the top spot on any bucket list. Whether it’s a grand celebration or an intimate elopement, there’s nothing quite like the magic of saying “I do.”
Getting married was never on my bucket list, but then my husband asked me. And now we’ve been married for 27 whopping years!
5. Get Healthier
Now, full disclosure, I’m not exactly a gym rat (I don’t even have a gym membership). But as someone who finds myself scaling mountains, dodging monkeys in temples, and chasing sunsets across continents, keeping my body in good shape is a non-negotiable.
That’s why I find ways to sneak in healthy habits that fit my lifestyle – like Apple Fitness workouts at home (or in hotel rooms) and opting to take the stairs instead of elevators..
6. Buy a House
Buying a house might not be the dream for avid travelers, but there is something incredibly grounding about having a place to call your own, where you can paint the walls any wild color you fancy and know every nook and cranny like the back of your hand.
Even though I absolutely love traveling, I feel beyond blessed to have my dream home filled with all my favorite things and a homebase that gives me so much comfort. Here’s a peek at my house:
7. Start a Business
Whether it’s opening a cozy coffee shop in your hometown or launching an online store selling quirky handmade crafts, transforming an idea into a thriving enterprise can be one of the biggest adventures you can do on your bucket list.
Think about it – you’re your own boss, setting the rules, and shaping your destiny. Plus, imagine the satisfaction of watching your passion project grow and make a difference. For me, it was all about starting a bucket list blog that turned into a full-time gig (though I’ve had five other businesses along the way!). What’s your business dream?
8. Get a Tattoo
Getting a tattoo is a popular bucket list item because it allows you to showcase your individuality, beliefs, or significant life events through art.
It’s still unchecked on my bucket list, because I’m still deciding on what would be meaningful enough to put on my skin permanently. What’s in the lead and resonating with me at the moment are simply the words: be brave.
If you are a traveler and looking for some ink-spiration? Check out my article of 55 Meaningful Travel Tattoo Ideas to Inspire Wanderlust
9. Learn a New Language
Ever tried to order a coffee in Paris and end up with a croissant instead? I suppose that wouldn’t be the worst thing, but learning a new language could help in this situation (and many others!).
I’ve been using Duolingo for years to learn Spanish. I probably have a couple more years to go!
10. Fly in a Hot Air Balloon
When flying in a hot air balloon you will have a rare birds-eye view and get a little adventure too, that’s why it’s on so many life lists. If you get the chance, be sure to go early so you can get a glimpse of the balloons being blown up—it’s a cool part of the experience.
11. Donate Blood
Donating blood might not sound like conquering Mount Everest, but that pint you give could be the lifeline someone desperately needs.
You never know who you might help – a friend in surgery, a child battling illness, or even a complete stranger. It’s a random act of kindness with a capital K, and that’s a pretty awesome feeling to add to your travelog of life, wouldn’t you say?
12. Have Children
For many folks, having children is the ultimate dream come true. It’s a chance to nurture a little life, witness the miracle of growth firsthand, and maybe even score some epic “World’s Best Mom/Dad” mugs along the way. Of course, parenthood isn’t all sunshine and giggles (there will definitely be some dirty diapers involved), but nonetheless, it’s a deeply rewarding journey that adds a whole new dimension to life.
13. Be Debt Free
I know that feeling of “Ugh, this trip is amazing, but I can’t stop stressing about my credit card bill.” It’s a major mood killer. Having your finances in order like paying off your debt sets the foundation for everything else. It’s like clearing out your mental attic to make room for all the incredible adventures you’re about to embark on.
I’m no financial advisor (though I am debt free), but you can check out my articles for tips on how to save money (while still ticking things off your bucket list!):
14. Write a Book
Writing a book was one of the hardest goals I ever checked off my list, which made it one of the most rewarding. If your head is filled with half-baked ideas for novels, travel memoirs whispering of exotic adventures, or maybe even a hilarious self-help guide to surviving your in-laws – writing a book might be for you.
You can also check out my personal accounts about writing one right below:
15. Go on a Cruise
Going on a cruise is one of the most popular bucket list goals because it offers a unique and hassle-free way to explore multiple destinations in one trip. The convenience of unpacking once and waking up in a new port each day appeals to lots of people.
I have been on many, but two of my favorites were my Viking River Cruise along the Rhine and my Costa Cruise Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Rome.
While bucket list goals are deeply personal and vary from person to person, certain ideas consistently appear on many lists. Whether you’re aiming to conquer the skies or pen your masterpiece, each experience is a step closer to living your best life.
What’s that ONE bucket list dream on this list that’s been nagging at you for ages? Let me know in the comments below,
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