As travelers and explorers, many of us have bucket lists full of iconic places that we feel like we're "supposed" to see in our lifetime. Places likes Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tour, or even Angkor Wat. These landmarks are so well known that we feel a sort of obligation to go and see them for ourselves, to snap a picture, and to check it off our list.
 

But more and more, travelers are discovering something: crossing landmarks off a list maybe isn't the most meaningful way to experience the world. In fact, some of the most unforgettable travel moments don’t happen at the end of a long line or behind a camera lens. They happen when you step away from the crowds, slow down, and experience a place not as a tourist, but as a guest. This isn’t about ditching your bucket list altogether. It’s about rethinking it—focusing less on where you go, and more on how you go.

If the traditional bucket list feels more like a grocery list than an adventure, ditch your list and venture beyond with our Alternative Bucket List.

The goal is to travel differently, choosing connection over crowds and experiences over photo ops, so that you come home with stories of authentic moments. This mindset is about slowing down and rethinking what we actually want from our travels. It's less about where you go and more about how you go. This is travel rooted in curiosity, not just sightseeing.

Meaningful moments over Must-Sees

The Alternative Bucket List invites you to focus on experiences that resonate personally. Rather than setting your sights on the world's most photographed attractions, you might find yourself learning to cook in a Tuscan farmhouse, walking ancient trails in the Scottish Highlands with a local guide, or simply sharing coffee with someone whose life is entirely different from your own. These experiences may not end in a gift shop filled with their picture on a postcard, but they still leave a lasting impression. They become the stories you tell again and again, not because they were iconic, but because they were real.

A new way to remember your travels

When you look back on your trip, instead of tales of long lines and selfie sticks, you'll be able to talk about the time you learned something new, tasted something unforgettable, or connected with someone whose life is completely different from your own.

Shifting away from a checklist mindset doesn't mean giving up on seeing incredible places, it means being intentional about how you see them. Building your own Alternative Bucket List starts with rethinking what you are looking for from your travels.

If you're looking to swap checklists for meaningful experiences, small-group tours can be a great place to start. Explore's itineraries prioritize authentic encounters over surface-level sightseeing, leading to memories you'll never forget. From iconic sights to hidden gems, our travel specialists have you covered with trips crafted to make you feel like you've truly explored, not just visited. With us, you won't just check off landmarks, you'll dive into experiences, and meet incredible people.
 

Our Explore alternative bucket list suggestions include:

• Experiencing Bedouin living at a traditional camp on the sands of the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.
• Sampling Japanese-style crepes in Tokyo's trendy Harajuku district.
• Soaking in the awe-inspiring views cycling around Costa Rica's Arenal volcano.
• Searching for leopards, elephants, and birds on a Jeep safari in Sri Lanka's Wilpattu National Park.
• Climbing to the top of Nepal's Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri.