10 Unique Bucket List Ideas to Try in 2025
I’m not a huge believer in bucket lists, but I do like the idea of having goals you’d like to accomplish. They don’t always have to be serious! Some of my goals in life are to create unforgettable memories and travel. I guess these could be considered “bucket list” ideas. However, if you’re looking to check some things off your bucket list this year, there are some really unique things I’ve found that would be great experiences. Here they are.
1. Sleep in a Glass Igloo Under the Northern Lights
Experiencing the Northern Lights is magical, but doing so from a glass igloo in Finland takes it to another level. These transparent domes offer a front-row seat to nature’s most breathtaking light show. With cozy interiors and luxurious amenities, it’s a perfect mix of adventure and comfort. The best time to visit is from September to March when the auroras are most visible.
2. Take a Digital Detox Retreat in Bali
With screens consuming most of our daily lives, a digital detox retreat offers the ultimate reset. Bali is home to several wellness retreats where guests surrender their devices and embrace mindfulness. You’ll engage in yoga, meditation, and nature hikes to reconnect with yourself. These retreats focus on inner peace, improved sleep, and mental clarity.
3. Go on a Mystery Travel Experience
If you love surprises, a mystery travel experience is the perfect adventure. Companies like Pack Up + Go plan your entire trip without revealing the destination until the last moment. You’ll receive clues and hints leading up to your departure, adding excitement to the journey.
4. Try an Underwater Hotel Stay
Sleeping beneath the ocean’s surface is a surreal experience that few get to enjoy. Locations like The Muraka in the Maldives and Atlantis The Palm in Dubai offer underwater hotel rooms. Giant glass windows provide mesmerizing views of marine life, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Imagine waking up to a school of fish gliding past your window.
5. Learn a New Language Through Immersion
Instead of traditional language classes, why not immerse yourself in a new culture to learn faster? Countries like Spain, France, and Japan offer homestay programs where you live with locals. This method enhances fluency, cultural understanding, and everyday communication skills. Whether it’s sipping espresso in an Italian piazza or bargaining at a Moroccan souk, you’ll learn naturally.
6. Attend an International Music Festival
Music festivals are exhilarating, but attending one abroad adds a whole new dimension. Events like Tomorrowland in Belgium, Coachella in California, or Glastonbury in the UK offer world-class lineups. These festivals bring together music lovers from across the globe, creating an electrifying atmosphere. You’ll experience diverse cultures, innovative stage designs, and unforgettable performances.
7. Take a Zero-Gravity Flight
For those who dream of space travel, a zero-gravity flight is the next best thing. Companies like Zero-G offer flights that simulate weightlessness, allowing you to float just like astronauts. The experience takes place aboard a specially modified aircraft that performs parabolic maneuvers. You’ll feel the thrill of floating freely in a cabin without gravity holding you down.
8. Embark on a Train Journey Through the Swiss Alps
Train travel is making a stylish comeback, and nothing beats the scenic views of the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express and Bernina Express take you through stunning landscapes of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and charming villages. The slow-paced journey allows you to relax and soak in the breathtaking surroundings. Panoramic windows make every moment feel like a postcard-worthy experience.
9. Join a Volunteer Expedition Abroad
Give back to the world while exploring new places through a volunteer expedition. Programs like Habitat for Humanity, Wildlife Conservation efforts, and marine preservation projects welcome travelers. You’ll work on meaningful projects, from building homes to protecting endangered animals. These trips allow you to experience local cultures in a deeper way while making a real impact.
10. Go on a Culinary Tour in a Foodie Capital
Food lovers can turn their passion into an adventure by taking a culinary tour. Cities like Tokyo, Paris, and Bangkok offer immersive food experiences, from cooking classes to street food tastings. You’ll learn the secrets behind authentic dishes from expert chefs and local vendors. Exploring a city through its cuisine provides insight into its culture, history, and traditions.
Make 2025 Your Most Adventurous Year Yet
Your bucket list should be centered around creating memories that enrich your life overall. Each one of these unique experiences is something I’d be thrilled to have on my bucket list (and there are a few I plan to do in the future). So, what’s stopping you? Life’s too short to wait. Start planning some of these adventures for yourself.
What is on your bucket list?
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.