250+ Bucket List Ideas to add to your List in 2023 (Fun, Unique, Travel, and More!) (2024)

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Creating a personal life bucket list can be an exciting and fulfilling exercise. It gives you the opportunity to dream big and think about all the experiences and achievements you want to have in your lifetime so you can plan them out along the way. Use the free printable bucket list template to help you create your own!

What is a Bucket List?

A bucket list is a list of personal goals and experiences someone hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime, or a specific period of time.

Some personal bucket list ideas could include:

– Learning a new language

– Visiting all 7 continents

– Skydiving

– Running a marathon

– Getting a tattoo

– Going on a hot air balloon ride

– Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef

Creating and regularly revisiting your personal bucket list can bring a sense of purpose and motivation to your life. In this article you’l learn tips to create your own along with over 250 unique bucket list ideas to add to your own personal bucket list.

Why Make a Bucket List?

I always thought of a bucket list as something that is kind of cheesy or cliché, but when I finally sat down and made one for myself, I found it to be a really valuable exercise. It gave me direction and motivation in my personal and professional life, as well as reminding me to appreciate the present moments and not take anything for granted.

As a mom of 4 small children having a written personal bucket list is actually really helpful because, let’s face it, things can get pretty chaotic and mundane in the day to day parenting grind. Having a personal bucket list with bigger dreams and goals helped me stay focused on what truly matters to me, helps me plan out things so life doesn’t just pass by (because it does just fly sometimes when you’re juggling managing a family!)!

It also gave me something to work towards beyond just being a mom. Including special memories, I want to have with my kids!

Plus it is a great way to make sure I’m adding myself back onto the priority list as a mom. It allows me to be present and engaged with my kids because I know what I want out of life and it can be planned out.

Here are just a few things I’ve crossed off my list even as a stay at home mom of 4 kids with a blog on the side:

• Visit New York at Christmas Time
• Lost 70 lbs
• Get my Canadian Citizenship (I’m now a dual citizen American/Canadian!)
• Launch a Podcast
• Go to Disney World
• Paid off all $20k of our credit card debt
• Make 5-figures in one month
• Buy a house
• Start investing

And these all happened within the past few years!

How to Create a Personal Bucket List

Where do you start with creating your own personal bucket list? Here are some tips:

1) First, think about the different areas of your life – career, relationships, personal growth, travel, hobbies/interests, family etc.

2) Write down any ideas that come to mind immediately, no matter how big or small they may seem

3) Don’t limit yourself – include everything from short-term goals to long

Got it? Let’s get started.

1: Brainstorm

Start by brainstorming a list of potential bucket list items. These can range from traveling to a certain destination, trying a new hobby, or accomplishing a personal goal. Don’t censor yourself at this stage and write down everything that comes to mind.

I like to split mine into categories and have a set number for each, maybe 10. So 10 personal bucket list ideas, 10 professional bucket list ideas, 10 family bucket list ideas, 10 travel bucket list ideas, etc.

This makes it easier for me to come up with true bucket list ideas that are actually important to me vs things that might just sound cool-ish.

To help, we’ve included 250 personal bucket list ideas at the end of this post!

2: Prioritize

Next, prioritize your list by deciding which items are most important to you and should be tackled sooner rather than later. You can also break larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.

That is how I tackle my big life goals, by spiting them into smaller goals that lead me to the big goal!

It’s also helpful to set a timeline for completing your bucket list items. This can give you a sense of urgency and motivation to start checking off those items.

3: Plan

Making the bucket list is one thing but actually crossing items off the list is another. Adding a few bucket list items to your calendar helps turn them into actionable tasks instead of just dreams.

You can also make a plan for how you will accomplish each item – whether it’s setting aside time to save up money for a trip or signing up for classes to learn a new skill.

I’m a big planner so picking a few big bucket list items each year, planning them out and scheduling them into my calendar helps me to know they’ll actually happen and that I’ve creating my own life instead of letting life just happen to me.

4: Revisit

Your personal bucket list is meant to be fluid and ever-changing, so don’t feel like you have to stick strictly to the initial ideas you come up with. As you accomplish items or try new things, add more ideas to your list and reassess what is most important to you at that moment in time.

I like to revisit my personal bucket list every quarter and see what I can cross off, add new things, and re-prioritize.

Having a personal bucket list is a great way to focus on personal growth and fulfillment, as well as creating lasting memories with loved ones. So why not start your personal bucket list today? Who knows where it will take you! But if you need ideas, I’ve got you covered!

250+ Unique Bucket List Ideas

Need a little help brainstorming ideas for your bucket list? Here are 250+ unqiue and fun bucket list ideas to get your own personal bucket list started!

Personal Bucket List Ideas:

1. Start a personal blog

2. Write a book

3. Learn a new language

4. Go on a solo trip

5. Complete a marathon

6. Try skydiving or bungee jumping

7. Take an improv class

8. Dye your hair a fun color

9. Get a tattoo

10. Go on a road trip with no set destination

11. Learn to play an instrument

12. Get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle

13. Be debt free

14. Buy a House

15. Go on an exotic safari

16. Attend a music festival or concert of your favorite band/artist

17. Take a photography class

18. Start a personal project and see it through to completion

19. Meet your soulmate and get married

20. Go on a hot air balloon ride

21. Volunteer abroad

22. Go on a multi-day hike or camping trip

23. Do a surprise vacation for your significant other

24. Get involved in community service or activism

25. Attend a sports game at an iconic stadium

26. Learn to drive manual transmission

27. Donate blood regularly

28. Complete a puzzle with 1000+ pieces

29. Hike to the top of a famous mountain

30. Face a fear head on (public speaking, heights, etc.)

31: Graduate High School/GED

32: Get a Bachelors degree

33: Get a Masters degree

34: Learn sign language

35: Take a personal finance class

36: Pay off your mortgage

37: Have kids

38: Become a grandparent

39: Hit your goal weight

Bucket List ideas for Travel:

40. Visit all 7 continents

41. Stay at an over water bungalow

42. See the Northern Lights

43. Go on a cruise

44. Attend Oktoberfest in Germany

45. Travel to a country where you don’t speak the language

46. Take a road trip across America

47. Swim with dolphins or whales

48. Explore ancient ruins

49. Spend New Year’s Eve in Times Square, NYC

50. Go on a African safari

51. Visit the Great Wall of China

52. Visit Route 66

53. Tour Europe by train

54. Party in Rio de Janeiro for Carnaval

55. Ride in a gondola in Venice

56. Explore the Amazon rainforest

57. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower

58. See the Taj Mahal

59. Visit all 50 states (or visit all provinces/territories in your country)

60. Go on a safari in Kenya

61. Visit Petra, Jordan

62. Walk the Great Ocean Road in Australia

63. See the cherry blossoms in Japan

64. Go wine tasting in Napa Valley

65. Go on a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey

66. Attend the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain

67. Stay at an ice hotel

68. Explore Angkor Wat in Cambodia

69. See the Terracotta Warriors in China

70. Ride a camel through the Sahara Desert

71. Relax on a beach in Bora Bora

72. Spend a weekend at Burning Man festival

73. Take a cooking class in Italy

74. Attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans

75. Explore the Galapagos Islands

76. Go on a safari in South Africa

77. Visit the Pyramids of Giza

78. See the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

79. Walk along the Great Wall of China

80. Take a hike through Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile

81. See the ball drop in Times Square

82. Visit a castle

83. Visit the Christmas markets in Europe

84. Visit the White House

85. Visit Jerusalem, the holy land

86. See the redwoods and giant sequoia trees

87. Go to the Louvre in Paris

Bucket List Ideas for Adventure:

88. Ride in a helicopter

89. Go parasailing

90. Try skydiving

91. Go on a hot air balloon ride

92. Take a survival skills class

93. Learn to scuba dive and explore underwater

94. Ride a motorcycle

95. Take a self defense class

96. Go dog sledding

97. Do a ropes/obstacle course

98. Hike through a national park

99. Try indoor skydiving

100. Go on a horseback riding adventure

101. Learn to rock climb

102. Live in a big city

103. Go white water rafting

104. Walk on a glacier

105. Swim with sharks

106. Stay the night in a treehouse home

107. Learn to surf

108. Swim in the ocean

109. Sleep on a houseboat

110. Vacation on a yatch

111. Bungee jump off a bridge or platform

112. Go zip lining

113. Do an overnight canoe trip

114. Camp under the stars

115. Try stand up paddle boarding

Bucket List Ideas for personal growth:

116. Do something that scares you every day for one week

117. Set monthly personal growth goals and track progress

118. Take an improv class

119. Join a book club

120. Practice mindfulness and live in the present moment.

121. Start a personal project and see it through to completion

122. Get a PHD

123. Read 100 books

124. Start and maintain a gratitude journal

125. Meditate daily for one month

126. Take a painting or pottery class

127. Go on a humanitarian trip

128. Dye your hair a bold color

129. Get bangs

130. Go on a blind date

131. Start a podcast

132. Start a YouTube channel

133. Learn calligraphy

134. Do a study abroad

135. Keep a dream journal

136. Attend a personal development seminar or workshop

137. Create a capsule wardrobe

138. Become fluent in another language

139. Go on a retreat (yoga, meditation, etc.)

140. Try volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about

141. Learn to play an instrument

142. Get involved in your local community

Bucket List Ideas for Your Professional Life

143. Retire

144. Write a book

145. Learn a new skill related to your job

146. Get an advanced degree in your field

147. Attend a professional conference or networking event

148. Find a job you love

149. Start your own business

150. Study and Publish an article or book

151. Become a mentor

152. Start a scholarship fund in your name

153. Give a TED talk

154. Mentor someone in your industry

155. Become a subject matter expert in your field

156. Reach a personal career goal (getting promoted, earning a certain salary, etc.)

157. Quit your job and do something you love for a year

158. Make 6-figures

159. Get a job in a different country

160. Network with industry leaders

161. Start a personal blog or website

162. Get published in a professional publication

163. Teach a class or workshop related to your field

164. Speak at an industry event or conference

165. Complete an executive leadership program

166. Earn a high-level certification in your field

167. Become a thought leader in your industry.

168. Make a viral post

169. Switch careers or industries

Bucket List Ideas for Families

170. Send out Christmas/Holiday cards

171. Foster or Adopt

172. Get a pet

173. Visit all the national parks

174. Have a game night once a week

175. Go on a family vacation

176. Go camping as a family

177. Attend a dream sporting event together

178. Go to Disneyland

179. Start a family book club

180. Volunteer as a family

181. Plan and host a family reunion

182. Plant a garden together

183. Learn about your family history and ancestry

184. Take an annual family photo

185. Start traditions for holidays and special occasions

186. Become a stay at home parent

187. Do random acts of kindness as a family

188. Participate in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or skiing

189. Have weekly or monthly family meetings

190. Visit Disney World

191. Visit Universal Studios

192. Host Thanksgiving or a Holiday Gathering

193. Take the family to an all-inclusive resort

194. Everyone learns how to ride a bike

195. Visit a foreign country together

196. Go on a cruise

197. Stay at a Disney Resort

198. Do a Disney Cruise

199. Get Matching Holiday Pajamas

Financial Bucket List Ideas

200. Invest in stocks or real estate

201. Set up an emergency fund

202. Start a side hustle and make extra money

203. Build passive income sources

204. Create a budget and stick to it

205. Get personal financial advice from a professional

206. Learn about personal finance and investing

207. Create multiple streams of income

208. Start a retirement fund and make contributions regularly

209. Pay off all credit card debt

210. Go on an expensive vacation with cash only

211. Start an investment account for your kids and make regular contributions

212. Pay for your kids to go to college

213. Buy a boat

214. Buy a vacation home or cabin

215. Pay for your child’s wedding

216. Live off of passive income

217. Buy your dream car

218. Become a millionaire

219. Achieve financial independence

220. Donate a large amount to your favorite charity

221. Become debt-free

222. Reach a personal savings goal

Unique Bucket List Items

223. Build your dream home

224. Host a foreign exchange student

225. Live in the moment

226. Watch a show on broadway

227. Meet your idol

228. Live off the grid

229. Buy a farm and homestead

230. Ride an elephant

231. Fly to Vegas for 24 hrs only

232. Become an influencer

233. Become a vegan

234. Attend the Olympics

235. Go whale watching

236. Take a selfie with a celebrity

237. Live in another country

238. Learn to play chess

239. Join a bike rave

240. Set a Guinness world record

241. Finish a triathlon

242. Go skinny dipping

243. Watch an episode of a tv show live

244. Write a screenplay

245. Become a vegetarian

246. Go green and reduce your footprint to 0

247. Fly first class

248. Perform stand-up comedy

249. Build a tiny home

250. Become a black belt in Karate

251. Locate a long-lost relative

252. Open your own restaurant

253. Read 10 classic novels

254. Conquer a fear

255. Learn how to code

256. Learn to drive a stick shift

FAQ

What is number 1 on most people’s bucket list?

In a study done by Stanford Univeristy, they found that the one thing at the top of most people’s bucket list was : A Desire to Travel(78.5%).

The results showed that the top 6 things on most people’s bucket lists were:

• Desire to Travel (78.5%)
• Desire to accomplish a personal goal (78.3%)
• Desire to achieve specific life milestones (51%)
• Desire to spend quality time with friends and family (16.7%)
• Desire to achieve financial stability (16.1%)
• Desire to do a daring activity (15%)

What should I put on my 2023 bucket list?

Using the results of the study done by Stanford University listed above, you can use them to create personal goals or bucket list items for yourself in 2023.

So a great place to start is by including one item for each of the 6 most popular bucket list categories on your bucket list:

1. One travel bucket list item (ex: Travel to a least 1 new country)
2. A personal goal item (ex: Running a marathon)
3. A milestone item (ex: Finish your degree)
4. An item to quality time with family and friends (ex: Take a road trip with your friends)
5. A financial item (ex: Saving X amount of money in the bank)
6. and one daring activity (ex: Go Skydiving)

From there you can expand categories and add more items as the ideas get flowing!

The Best Free Printable Bucket List Template

You can easily create a personal bucket list with my free printable Bucket List Template. This template will help you structure your ideas and helps give clarity to the goals you want to achieve.

Simply download the template, fill in your personal bucket list items, and start crossing them off as you go!

One page for life bucket list items to keep you focused and one page for year bucket list items for all the things you want to do in 2023! Use them together to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Download your personal bucket list template today and get started on making all your dreams a reality! Good luck!

Click here to download the free printable bucket list template!

Creating a personal bucket list is one of the best ways to ensure that you make the most out of life. By setting personal goals and milestones, taking daring risks, spending quality time with loved ones, becoming financially stable, and traveling to new places will help create an exciting journey full of experiences. With these ideas in mind, take some time today to start planning your own personal bucket list!

What’s on your bucket list?

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