6 Bucket List Experiences To Do Before You Turn 50

As some say, hitting 50 can feel like hitting 40 these days, and we couldn’t agree more. Big birthdays, especially those ending in zero, only come around every ten years, so it’s important to make the most of them. Traveling is a great way to celebrate, as it always opens up new experiences, lifts our mood, and adds excitement to our lives.

If you’re approaching 50 and want to make your travel experiences even more memorable, we have some suggestions for you. These are our top picks for destinations, trips, and bucket list experiences to do before you turn 50, setting the stage for an exciting decade of travel ahead.

1. Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

Taking a hot air balloon ride is always an amazing adventure, but there are certain destinations where it becomes truly extraordinary. One such place is Cappadocia, Turkey, renowned for its surreal and otherworldly landscape. Shaped by ancient volcanic activity and centuries of erosion, Cappadocia boasts a terrain unlike anywhere else on Earth, making it ideal for hot air balloon flights. During tranquil mornings, numerous balloons ascend into the sky, enhancing the magical ambiance as the flames illuminate the dawn sky, adding an extra layer of enchantment to this already unforgettable experience. Turkey tours are incomplete without experiencing this!

2. See the Northern Lights

Witnessing the northern lights in Finland is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, ranking high on bucket list experiences to do before you turn 50. The ethereal dance of colors across the Arctic sky is a breathtaking spectacle to behold. From vibrant greens to shimmering purples, the aurora borealis casts a spell of wonder and enchantment. Embark on a journey to Finland’s remote wilderness for a front-row seat to this celestial display. Capture the magic of the aurora as it paints the night sky with its mesmerizing hues. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience that promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul.

3. Discover the wonders of nature in the Galápagos Islands

Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding the enchanting islands off the coast of Ecuador, where you can swim alongside playful penguins, listen to the charming sounds of seals frolicking, and capture breathtaking images of majestic giant tortoises. These magical islands, part of a volcanic archipelago, are teeming with wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin. Here, you can marvel at sea iguanas and graceful white-tipped sharks as they gracefully navigate the pristine marine environment.

4. Visit the Banff National Park

Renowned for its breathtaking vistas, Banff, Canada’s oldest national park, is no longer a hidden gem. Lake Louise, nestled within Banff National Park, serves as the hiking hub of Canada during the summer and transforms into a premier downhill skiing destination in the winter. With over 1,000 miles of trails, many commencing at lofty elevations, visitors are treated to awe-inspiring panoramic views. The lake itself, born from a receding glacier, is encircled by snow-capped peaks and majestic glaciers.

5. Journey to the wonderful Antarctica

If ticking off all seven continents from your bucket list is a goal, then venturing to Antarctica is a must-do. Yet, even if you’re not aiming to achieve that milestone, exploring the frozen continent is still highly worthwhile. Here, you’ll encounter vast penguin colonies, towering glaciers, and a pristine wilderness that remains largely untouched by human hands. Regular cruises depart from Ushuaia in southern Argentina between November and March, transporting passengers to this remote corner of the globe. While direct trips are an option, we recommend opting for an extended journey that also includes visits to the Falkland Islands and the captivating South Georgia region.

6. Enjoy the views from the Cliffs of Moher

Covering a 5-mile expanse along the Irish coastline on your trip to Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher stand as the island’s most frequented attraction, and rightfully so. Situated in County Clare, Ireland’s westernmost point offers awe-inspiring vistas and remarkable heights. Not only renowned for their natural beauty, but these cliffs have also graced the silver screen, featuring prominently in “The Princess Bride” as the Cliffs of Insanity and in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”

Want to fulfill your bucket list? Reach out to us and our experts will be happy to help.