Author: Maria Alfano
Bucket list activities became popular when the movie ‘Bucket List’ debuted in 2007 starring 2 comedic geniuses in their golden years. Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson made the bucket list mainstream. But, where did this originate? In 1993 the term first emerged as a way of parking negotiation items till later on in the process.
The term “kick the bucket” has been used since the 16th century when people died by hanging from having the bucket kicked out from under their feet. Today we affectionately use the phrase “kick the bucket” to refer to one’s death. By 2004, the term bucket list activities had a new meaning. It refers to the things we want to accomplish before we leave this earth.
What is your greatest wish? Is there one or maybe two things you want to accomplish before you can’t anymore? Everyone has a to-do list for their regular tasks. Not everyone has a vision board or wish list of things they want to get checked off their life list. If you only had a few months left to live what would you do? How would you create memories with your loved ones?
One of my greatest wishes was to have a family vacation with my entire immediate family for my 50th birthday. I wanted to give my parents the gift of family and love one more time before one or both of them left us. My sisters, their families together with my family, and my parents all hopped on a plane and landed in Costa Rica for a week. Check this one off my bucket list!!
This post will help you find some of the most amazing and ultimate bucket list activities that you never thought of before. Hold onto your seat belt! You’re in for an exciting ride.
5 Ultimate Bucket List Activities To Add To Your Own Ideas
No matter what you are into, we have an adventure for you. For each category of bucket list activities, we give you 5 fantastic and unique things to do or places to see. No matter if you are a single person or a couple, or you want to create new memories with loved ones, we have something for everyone. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Foods to try before you kick the bucket
Buyer beware. These foods are the rarest and most expensive in the world.
Golden Boy Burger from Fleur in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada
Golden Boy is the world’s most expensive burger made from Wagu beef topped with Beluga caviar, king crab, onion rings dipped in Dom Perignon batter and shaved truffles between two buns covered in gold leaf. These are the world’s most expensive ingredients known to man. If $6,000 is within your budget, then this is a must. The beef alone is worth trying. Sure beats the burgers from the local fast-food joint. Best of all, the proceeds from the sale of the burger go to support the local food bank.
Louis XIII Pizza – Renato Viola, Salerno, Italy
Ok, so why pizza you ask? You can grab a pie from the corner pizza shop it’s true but can you get one for $12,000? I think not. This pizza takes 72 hours from start to finish. This pizza comes with its own chef and sommelier at your door in Italy. You are served on rare vintage plates using rare cutlery. The pizza is topped with 3 varieties of caviar, 7 varieties of cheeses including buffalo mozzarella, prawns from Cilento, mantis shrimp and lobster sprinkled with Australian pink salt. This pie is accompanied by a shot of Louis XIII Cognac and a bottle of vintage 1995 Krug Clos du Mesnil champagne. The champagne is approx $1,800 a bottle (750 ml) and Louis XIII has been priced at $4,300 a bottle. Both are included in the price tag for this pizza.
Densuke Black Watermelon – Hokkaido, Japan
This succulent delicacy is grown only in the northern region of Japan. It has a very deep dark green shell with no stripes and the fruit is much sweeter than the watermelon we are familiar with. The fruit is firmer, crunchier than what we know watermelon to be. Because so few are grown each year and because the demand for this yield is so high, prices can reach $6,000 per watermelon. They require much attention and a lot of space to flourish and grow. Hence only small batches are planted at one time, making this highly sought-after indulgence so costly.
pule donkey cheese – Zasavica, Serbia
Only one farm in the world makes donkey cheese. The farmer milks his donkeys daily and makes the cheese on demand. You cannot purchase this cheese from any market. It is made to order. His Balkan donkey milk has been certified for human consumption and is said to strengthen our immune system. It takes 25 liters of donkey milk to make this smoked, crumbly white cheese at a cost of a mere $600 per pound. This cheese is rich in protein and vitamins and is surprisingly low in fat.
Black Ivory Coffee – Thailand
Ok – this is going to sound a little gross, but apparently, a cup of this java goes for $50. Black Ivory coffee beans are harvested from elephant dung. Elephants eat the fruit but cannot digest the beans. Their stomach acids can break down the arabica bean proteins. Farmers will sort through the poop and pull out the beans. Only a few beans are found per batch making this the most expensive cup of coffee in the world.
Bucket list Activities for Volunteers
Not everything on your bucket list has to be about you or expensive for that matter. Doing for others is something that many people aspire to accomplish before they pass.
habitat for humanity women’s build
This is my personal favorite as is this charity. Habitat for Humanity builds homes for needy families all around the world and they ask for very little in return. The women’s build is a group of volunteer women who take a week out of their daily lives to help build a home for one of these families. Be involved in any aspect of building the home, setting the foundations, raising the walls and roof to drywalling, painting, and decorating. You are put to work where you are needed the most. No skills are required. They teach you everything you need to know.
feed the homeless
You don’t need to go far from your own backyard to find people sleeping on a park bench or under a bridge. So many are homeless not by their own doing. With just a few dollars you can make hearty soups and sandwiches to feed as many people as you can. Grocery stores throw out day-old bread, fruits, and veggies past their prime, and heavily discount canned goods coming close to expiry. Reach out to them and make a deal. They would rather give you the goods than through them in the trash.
Retirement homes
The most rewarding thing I ever did was to volunteer at a retirement home for dementia patients. These folks were so wonderful. All they needed was a little attention. Play games with them. Paint the ladies’ nails. Read them a story. Sing songs and dance together. Just listen to their stories. Anything you do with them will be greatly appreciated. Not to mention, you leave there feeling blessed to have known such amazing people. The smiles you will put on their faces are incredible.
animal shelters
Animal shelters receive so many unwanted pets throughout the year, more than they can house most of the time. If you love animals, volunteer to take care of some of these pets. Often, they need to be rehabilitated from the abuse of previous owners. Take one home. Show them some love and get them ready for their new forever home. Watch those tails wag and see your own smile grow exponentially.
days of caring
Most communities in North America have a Days of Caring event. One day a year out of your life is nothing when you are enriching your neighborhood. Help clean up trash at the local park. Pick up garbage and plastics from the local rivers and beaches. Bake for your local front-line workers. Raise money for your local United Way by putting together a fundraiser at the community center or church.
Adventurous Bucket List Activities
Adventure doesn’t always mean taking risks that endanger your health. Sometimes, it just means doing things outside your personal comfort zone.
Hot Air Balloon ride
Albuquerque, New Mexico is home to the largest hot air balloon festival in North America. More than 500 balloons are launched at sunrise every mid-October. The weather and winds are so predictable that pilots enjoy flying in the area. It is a phenomenal display of bright colors across the skyscape. Ride this vessel for approximately 2 hours. The aerial view of the landscape is breathtaking. You will not want to forget your camera for this. The temperatures up high are similar to the ground temps so dress accordingly.
Malahat Skywalk – Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
This spectacular structure will take you on a journey for a birdseye view of the marvel that is British Columbia. Take the spiral tower up 32 meters (105 feet) up the side of a mountain and enjoy the landscape of Mt Baker as it rolls into the Salish Sea. Take in the sweet honey fragrance of the arbutus trees. This most unusual tree has a paperlike red bark and stands close to 30 meters tall. Tired from the walk up the spiral? No problem. Take the slide in the center of the structure back down. This landmark is accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers making it perfect for all members of the family.
Swim with sharks – Stuart’s Cove, Bahamas
Ok, I know what you’re thinking. This is insane! Insanely incredible to get close to some of nature’s most dangerous predators. Get past your nerves as you dive deep into the crystal blue waters off the coast of the Bahamas. Observe these magnificent beasts in their natural environment. At feeding time you control the release of the food and watch as they enjoy a meal beside you.
Ziplining on Fremont Street – Las Vegas, Nevada
There are so many places in the world to go ziplining. Enjoy a ride through the jungles of Costa Rica or through the mountains of South Africa. For those who don’t like to venture too far from home, the Fremont Experience is a great way to get your feet wet in ziplining before going out to these amazing countries. Fly across Fremont street under the neon canopy. Feel the wind in your hair and the adrenaline rush as you speed across the stretch of the open road. Observe the show above your head. Wave to your friends down below. This is the perfect place if you’re afraid of heights. Slotzilla Zipline is only 77 feet in the air and only 850 feet long. You got this!
Hang Gliding –Interlaken District, Switzerland
One of the prettiest places in the world to go hang gliding is in Switzerland. Whether you are a novice or experienced; whether you want a calm ride or an extreme flight, the tour companies have one tailored just for you. Along with your co-pilot (who is an experienced member of the tour company), you will take a few running steps and leap off the side of the mountain. A flight can last between 15 and 25 minutes. It is an experience you will never forget.
This post introduced you to some unique bucket list activities that you can add to your list. Try new foods. Visit different places. Try new adventures. These are not your run-of-the-mill things to do. They are the ultimate in bucket list activities!
Let us know what your ultimate bucket list activity is.